$40 coupons for digital-to-analog conversion

[Ace Purple]

The Department of Commerce on Monday unveiled its plan to help subsidize the switchover from analog. In the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) plan, each household can claim two $40 coupons that they then can use toward the purchase of a set-top box that can translate digital signals so television shows can be viewed on analog TVs.

Analog signals are scheduled to cease February 19, 2009.

Link to the full story

[Big Media]

If I were Tivo, I would modify my boxes to do the conversion, which would qualify my boxes for the coupon program. Then I would do a huge marketing push to tell consumers to apply for their coupon and bring it to any retailer for a free (with coupon) Tivo box. The "free" boxes would pay for themselves in subscription earnings.

[Jet Black]

You know, they really are screwing the eyeballs out of us taxpayers.