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Group: alt.magic.secrets · Group Profile
Author: bill page
Date: Jan 3, 2008 08:43

Prev Next Normal view To: MAGICBILLY384@MSN.COM,
RJLACMAGIC@HOTMAIL.COM, greenohio@hotmail.com
From: bill page
Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008Fw: 2009TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Website - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Date: Thursday, January 3, 2008 11:34 AM


SAME FAT TIME SAME FAT CHANNEL
ALL DVDS OF ALF AND NEW MOVIE OF UNDER DOG AND SEASON 2 AND SEASON 1
DVDS OF THE MUPETT SHOW TV SERIS ON DVD
PLUS BOB SCOFIELD GAVE ME NEW BOO ON HOUDINI THE SECRET LIFE OF
HOUDINI
AND DAVID BLAINE GIVES IT A THUMBS UP:)
SO DOES PENN AND TELLER
also i got criss angel book of his lie story and he hows how some
illusions are done
:)
plus bob scofield gave me a esacpe from alaraze puzzle illusion
you gotaget the big silver ball bearing out of the cage?
hmm?
plus a roll of caps to go pow with with my fingers
like i did in 1970s in lancaster ohio :)
MY SISTER CHERYL PAGE GOT ME THE RUBICKS REVENGE CUBE AND MY ISTER
STACEY SMITH GOT ME SLIP ON SHOES
MY PARENTS GOT ME money to spend wow hundred dollars had to double
check it wow yes its a hundred dollars ps bought season 2 an 1 of
muppets show and voltron dvd set the red liuon dvd set
talk later gota go pig out again i allreday had 4 choalte puddings
plus a valine ensure

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: bill page
Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 10:58 AM
To: fundyscofi@cox.net, MAGICBILLY384@MSN.COM,
DAVID_D_DUNCAN@YAHOO.COM, RJLACAGIC@HOTMAIL.COM,
MITCHELL_LEARY@WEBTV.NET
Subject: 2009TV Converter Box Coupon Program Website - Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)

bill page msn.com> has sent you the following web link:

Skip to Main Content Home About the Program What are my options? Apply
for a Coupon FAQs Eligible Converter Boxes Our Partners & Links
Sitemap Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For a list of important terms related to the Digital Transition and
the Coupon Program and their definitions, click here.
Expand All Collapse All
Background on Digital Television Transition
1. What is the digital television transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations
in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to
100%% digital broadcasting... Digital broadcasting promises to provide
a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up
airwaves for use by emergency responders.
2. Will my television work after February 17, 2009?
Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not
work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that
are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before
February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work.
3. What are my options so I can continue to get TV after February 17,
2009?
Consumers have a variety of options. If you’re not sure what to do,
take a quick quiz to help you figure out what to do at www.DTVTransition.org..
Options to explore include:
Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A
converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb.
17, 2009, or
Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
4. What is a TV converter box?
A TV converter box is a new product available in early 2008 that plugs
into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your
analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a
one-time purchase and is expected to cost between $50 and $70. A TV
connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require
a TV converter box from this program. For a list of TV converter boxes
that can be purchased with $40 government coupons, please click here.
5. What is the TV Converter Box Coupon Program?
Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households
wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009.
The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each
worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter
boxes.
6. How do I get my coupons?
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, consumers can apply for up
to two $40 coupons per household by calling 1-888-DTV-2009
(1-888-388-2009), 1-877-530-2634 (TTY), by applying online or by
mailing their application to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
Coupons will be mailed to requesters.
7. Where can I use my coupons?
When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a
list of nearby participating retailers. You can expect to buy TV
converter boxes and use your coupons at retail stores where you would
normally buy consumer electronics products. You can also click here to
enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
8. How do I install a TV converter box?
Converter boxes plug into TV sets, either in the back or front,
depending on your TV. You will still need your antenna, which works
with the TV converter box. Each TV converter box will come with
installation instructions from the manufacturer. You should be able to
install the converter box using the instructions provided by the
manufacturer. For specific questions, you should ask your retailer or
call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline. A generic “Quick
Start Guide” and installation video are available at www.DigitalTips.org.
9. Why is the digital transition happening?
Broadcasters are transitioning to digital to provide important
benefits to consumers. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient,
broadcasters require less of the airwaves to provide a better
television viewing experience. Once the DTV transition is completed,
some television channels will be turned over to fire and police
departments for emergency communication and others will be auctioned
to companies to provide new wireless services.
10. What is NTIA’s role in the transition?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA),
part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is operating the TV Converter
Box Coupon Program at the direction of Congress..
11. Will the transition affect me?
You will need to take action before February 17, 2009 if you currently
watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite
or other pay TV service. If you own a television with a digital tuner
or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive
TV programming as usual after the transition.
12. How do I know if I have an analog or a digital TV?
What you need to know is whether your TV set has something called a
“digital tuner” already built in. If it does, your TV set will work
after February 17, 2009. The best way to determine whether your TV set
has a digital tuner built in is to consult your owner’s manual. If
that’s not possible, you may be able to look up information about your
TV set on the manufacturer’s website. Or, you can take an up-close
look at your TV set. In any case, you’re trying to find out if your
set has an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (for
Advanced Television Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).

Here are some general guidelines that may help:

TV set made before 1998 was a traditional “analog” set. If you bought
a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, it may have a built-
in digital tuner inside. But chances aren’t great. Only a limited
percentage of projection TV sets (and generally only those 42 inches
in diameter or larger) included digital tuners before 2004.

If you purchased a new TV set since 2004, your chances of having a
built-in digital tuner improve dramatically.. Starting in 2004, many
of the TV sets sold at popular electronics stores feature digital
tuners that will work after February 17, 2009. But it’s not a sure
thing. Even some of the newer TV sets are purely display monitors that
lack the internal circuitry needed to pick up digital broadcasts.
Usually these sets have been advertised as “HD-ready” or “HDTV
monitor” sets. That means they can display digital and high-definition
signals, but they need help getting those signals in the first place.
You’ll still need a special converter or a cable TV connection.
13. I’m a cable customer.. Will I be affected by the transition?
Cable and satellite subscribers should check with their providers
before February 17, 2009, to see how they are handling the transition.
TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service will not
require a TV converter box from this program..
14. I live in a community with translator and low-power television
service. Do I need to take action before February 17, 2009?
Translator and low-power television stations are not required to go
all-digital after February 17, 2009. Viewers of these broadcast
stations should contact their station for details. As these stations
go digital, consumers will need to take action to continue to receive
their free TV with an antenna and may want to consider applying for TV
converter box coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009,
because after that date, coupons will no longer be available.
Consumer Options
1. What should I do to be ready for the television transition?
Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not
work after February 17, 2009.. Television viewers with these sets that
are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before
February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. Consumers
have a variety of options.

Options to explore include:

Keeping your existing analog TV and purchasing a TV converter box. A
converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb.
17, 2009. It is expected to cost between $50 and $70 and be available
in early 2008, or
Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
Purchase a television with a digital tuner.
If you’re not sure what to do, take a quick quiz to help you figure
out your options at www.DTVTransition.org.
2. Where can I purchase a converter box?
Certified retailers can be found here and on the retailer website
(www.ntiadtv.gov) when coupon distribution begins. Consumers will
receive a list of nearby participating retailers when their coupons
arrive by mail.
3. Will I need to buy a new television after February 17, 2009?
No, you will not need to get rid of your analog TV after February 17,
2009. If you receive your TV programs for free using an antenna—that
is, your TV set is not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV
service—you can purchase a TV converter box and plug it into your
existing TV set to continue to receive TV programs after February 17,
2009.
4. Do I need a converter box if I have cable or satellite?
TVs connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not
require a TV converter box from this program to receive programs after
February 17, 2009. Check with your cable or satellite provider to
determine how they will support your analog set after February 17,
2009.
5. Will I still need an antenna to receive programming?
Yes. If you currently use an antenna to receive your over-the-air
programming, you will still need it after you install a converter box.
In some cases, TV viewers may need a new antenna. For help choosing an
antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels,
visit www.antennaweb.org.
Converter Box Option
1. How much do I have to pay for a TV converter box?
When TV converter boxes are available, retail stores will set the
price. TV converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70.
The Federal Government permits each U.S. household up to two $40
coupons to help pay for the cost of the converter box. After applying
the coupon, participating retailers will charge consumers the
remaining balance of between $10 and $30.
2. When can I buy a TV converter box?
TV converter boxes are expected to be available in early 2008 at
retailers where you would normally buy consumer electronics products.
Before shopping for your converter box, you might want to call ahead
to make sure retailers have converter boxes available.
3. What is meant by an “eligible” TV converter box?
TV converter box models must meet technical and performance standards
determined by the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) in order to qualify for the Coupon Program. A
list of eligible make and model numbers for purchase with the coupon
can be found at our website, by clicking here.
4. Which manufacturers are making the TV converter boxes? Are there
differences?
See a complete list of eligible TV converter boxes here. TV converter
box features may vary depending on the brand; however all models will
allow your analog TV to continue to operate after February 17, 2009.
The best way to get information on individual converter boxes is to
visit the manufacturer’s website—or ask a customer service specialist
at a store that sells them.
5. Does someone have to come into my home to install the converter
box?
No, you should be able to install the converter box yourself using the
instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you
should call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline or ask your
retailer. The NTIA program does not provide technical support.
6. How big is the converter box?
Converter boxes are about the size of a paperback book. Most will fit
on top of a small to medium TV set.
7. Can I use the converter box along with my cable box?
No. Converter boxes from this program work only with over-the-air
broadcast television signals, not cable or satellite service.
8. Will I receive Closed Captioning through a converter?
Yes. Manufacturers of converters are required to provide Closed
Captioning for display on your television.
9. Do I need to purchase a TV converter box that is the same brand as
my TV
No.
10. I have a handheld or battery-powered TV. Will this work after
February 17, 2009? Can I connect it to a TV converter box?
Generally not.
11. Will my VCR or DVD player still work once I plug my converter box
into my TV?
The analog equipment you currently use will continue to work with
(output to) your analog TV set just as before, but they will not be
able to receive over-the-air programming without the TV converter box.
Attach the converter to your VCR, TiVo, DVD-R, etc. instead of hooking
it directly to your TV.
12. Can I start using my TV converter box now or do I need to wait
until after February 17, 2009 for it to work?
Consumers can begin enjoying the benefits of digital television today.
Because most full-power stations are currently broadcasting both in
digital and analog, viewers can plug in their converter boxes and
generally receive a clearer picture and “multicast” channels, where
they are available.
13. Will I receive High-Definition TV with a converter box?
No. Analog televisions are not capable of displaying High-Definition
resolution, but the picture will generally be better with a TV
converter box. If you want to view High-Definition TV, then you will
need one of the newer sets rated for “High-Definition” resolution.
Coupon Program: Getting a Coupon
1. When can I apply for my coupons?
You can apply for a coupon between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009,
while supplies last.
2. How do I request a coupon?
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon
while supplies last in one of four ways:
Apply online
Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009
(1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634
Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
Download a Coupon Application here.
Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
The consumer contact center will operate in six languages in addition
to English: French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and
Vietnamese. The contact center will be accessible for hearing-impaired
persons through a TTY number. The contact center and website can help
answer questions you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons,
checking the status of your coupon request, and other issues.
3. Are coupon applications available any place else such as the
library or grocery store?
NTIA is working with its partners to make applications available in
the places where it makes the most sense for each community. The
easiest way to apply is to call 1-888-388-2009, or, apply online. If
you don’t have a computer, your local library probably has computer
terminals for public use..
4.. Will retailers make coupon applications available in their
stores?
Some retailers may offer coupon application forms at their stores.
Retailers, however, cannot provide the coupons; consumers must request
them from the Government. The decision to provide applications is up
to each retailer. The easiest way to apply is to call 1-888-388-2009,
or, apply online.
5. When will I get my coupons?
Consumers who apply at the beginning or 2008 will receive their
coupons when TV converter boxes are expected to be available in retail
stores, probably in late February or early March.
6. What will the TV converter box coupon look like?
Coupons will look like plastic credit cards or gift cards used widely
in the retail industry. Unlike gift cards, TV converter box coupons
will carry no stored value and can only be used towards the purchase
of eligible TV converter boxes.
7. Are all consumers eligible for the coupon program?
Yes, but supplies are limited. There are 22.25 million coupons
available to all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used,
there are an additional 11.25 million coupons available only to
households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using
an antenna. Households with TVs connected to cable, satellite or other
pay TV service are not eligible for this second batch of coupons.
Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the
funds are exhausted.
8. How many coupons can I request?
Each household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may
be applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons
can be ordered one at a time or both at the same time.
9. What information do I need to provide the government to request my
coupons?
The TV converter box coupon application requires that you provide your
name, household address, number of coupons requested (maximum of two)
and whether you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television
service.
10. Will the government use my name and address for other purposes?
No. Your personal information is protected under privacy laws and will
not be sold or used for other purposes other than administering the
NTIA Coupon Program.
11. Are nursing homes, group homes and other institutions eligible
for coupons?
Applicants must meet the Census definition of a household as
consisting of “all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment,
mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as
separate living quarters and has a separate U.S. postal address..” A
household is defined as separate living quarters with a separate U.S.
Postal address. This definition includes all households located in
U.S. Territories, but does not include Post Office Boxes.
12. Can I apply for someone who is unable to apply for themselves,
such as an elderly parent?
Yes, but you will need to use their home address which will be
validated for eligibility. Only two coupons can be used per U.S.
household address, and the coupons are intended for the resident of
that household.
13. What if I receive my mail at a Post Office Box?
The government can mail coupons to Post Office boxes in areas without
home mail delivery. Post Office boxes will be accepted only for
households on Indian reservations, Alaskan Native villages and other
rural areas. The government may request additional information to
validate the physical location of these households.
Using a Coupon
1. If I can’t find a retailer in my area that carries TV converter
boxes, can I purchase one online?
To see a list of participating online retailers click here.
2. Can I use my coupons to purchase any TV converter box?
No. The government will provide a list of coupon-eligible converter
boxes and participating retailers here. You may also ask participating
retailers whether TV converter boxes in their stores can be purchased
with the $40 government coupon.
3. Can I use my coupon to purchase other consumer electronics
products, such as DVD recorders or televisions?
No. Coupons will be electronically coded to be used only for purchases
of coupon-eligible converter boxes.
4. Can I use my coupon to get $40 off a TV converter box I’ve already
purchased?
No. Coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be
redeemed at the time TV converter boxes are purchased.
5. What happens to my coupon after I use it?
It is instantly deactivated and cannot be used again. Stores may keep
them or you can throw them away. You should keep your receipt and a
record of your coupon number in case you decide to exchange or return
the converter box.
6. Can I replace a lost or stolen coupon?
No. Coupons cannot be reissued. If you have requested one coupon, you
may be eligible to receive another. If both coupons have been lost or
stolen, or you have requested both coupons, used one, and the other
coupon is lost or stolen, by law we are unable to reissue coupon
replacements.
7. Can I use both coupons toward the purchase of one converter box?
No. Only one coupon can be used per coupon-eligible converter box.
8. Can coupons be used by other members of a household?
Yes. Coupons can be redeemed by anyone in your household. However,
only two coupons can be issued per household regardless of the number
of occupants or families.
9. Can I transfer the coupon to someone else?
No, but anyone from your household can redeem the coupons when
purchasing a TV converter box from a certified retailer.
10. Do the coupons have cash value?
No. The coupon has no cash value.
11. Can coupons be sold?
No. It is illegal to sell, duplicate or tamper with the coupon.
12. Can a retailer refuse to accept the coupons?
Retailers that are not participating in the Coupon Program will not be
able to accept the coupons. Only retailers certified by the NTIA will
accept the coupons. A list of certified retailers in your area can be
found here.
13. How long are coupons active?
Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an
expiration date printed on it.
14. How long should I wait before checking on the status of my
coupon?
Consumers who apply at the beginning of 2008 will receive their
coupons when TV converter boxes are expected to be available in retail
stores, probably in late February or early March. Please wait until
then to check the status of your coupon.
15. If I used the coupon to buy a TV converter box and then return it
for credit with the retailer, can I use that credit for any other
purchase at the retailer?
You will not be able to receive cash or credit for the coupon amount,
but you can receive cash or credit for any amount you paid out of
pocket, if the store policy permits returns or exchanges.
16. Can I exchange my TV converter box for another one?
If the retail store permits exchanges, you can exchange the converter
you purchased for another coupon-eligible converter box.
17. If a coupon expires before it is used, can a consumer re-apply?
If a consumer requests only one coupon and it expires before it is
used, then they can apply for a second coupon. Once two coupons have
been issued to that household, the consumer will no longer be eligible
to request any more coupons. Coupons expire 90 days after they are
mailed.
18. Can coupons be used toward the price of an upgraded converter box
(for example, a box that includes a DVR)?
No. Coupons are only valid for eligible converter boxes. The intent of
the program is to allow consumers to continue to view TV over-the-air
on the same TV they used prior to the transition, not to enable
upgrades in technology.
19. Can a coupon be used to pay for sales tax?
No. The $40 coupon can only be used towards the price of an eligible
TV converter box, excluding any sales tax.
20. Can a consumer purchase two TV converter boxes with two coupons
in a single transaction?
Yes, if the consumer is purchasing two TV converter boxes with two
valid coupons.
21. What is the last day to redeem coupons?
Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed and will have the
expiration date printed on the coupon. The last day to apply for
coupons is March 31, 2009, or until supplies are exhausted.
22. If the TV converter box costs less than $40, can I get cash back
or use the difference for another purpose?
No, the coupon can only be used for the price of an eligible converter
box. Consumers will not get change back. If the converter box is
priced below $40, then consumers will only pay any applicable sales
tax.
23. If the converter box is more than $40, how can the consumer pay
the difference?
The consumer may pay the difference with any other form of payment
acceptable to the retailer. Two coupons may not be combined towards
the purchase of a single converter box.
24. What happens if a consumer purchases more than one converter box
and has only one coupon?
Consumers may purchase as many converter boxes as they choose.
However, a single coupon can only be used to purchase one coupon-
eligible converter box. If the consumer decides to purchase additional
converter boxes, they must pay the full cost.
25. Can two coupons be combined towards the purchase of a single
converter box?
No.
Other
1. Who runs the Coupon Program website, www.dtv2009.gov?
The website is run under the supervision of the Department of Commerce
and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
2. What is the NTIA?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA),
part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Federal government
agency in charge of administering the TV Converter Box Coupon Program.
More information on the NTIA can be found at www.ntia.doc.gov.
3. Who do I contact to comment on the TV Converter Box Coupon
Program?
To comment on the Coupon Program, you may contact us in writing at the
following address:
DTV 2009 Coupon Program Comments
PO BOX 2000
Portland, OR 97208-2000

4. Where can I find out more information about the digital
transition?
There are several useful websites you can visit:
Private sector - Digital TV transition www.dtvtransition.org
administered by the DTV Transition Coalition
Government – Digital TV transition www.dtv.gov administered by the
Federal Communications Commission
Retailer participation – www.ntiadtv.gov administered by NTIA for
retailers
Didn’t find what you were looking for? We’re available to answer
questions or take coupon requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
1-888-DTV-2009.
Standard Terms and Definitions
Expand All Collapse All
Analog Spectrum
A traditional, less-efficient and lower quality system that uses radio
frequency (RF) waves to transmit and display pictures and sound.
ATSC Tuner
Often called an ATSC receiver or HDTV tuner, allows reception of
digital television (DTV) signals broadcast over-the-air by TV
stations. May be integrated into a television, VCR, digital video
recorder, or set-top box.
Broadcast Spectrum
The entire range of frequencies used for radio and television
transmission.
Broadcasting
Using radio waves to distribute radio or TV programs which are
available for reception by the general public.
Department of Commerce (DOC)
Department whose responsibility is to "foster, serve, and promote the
Nation's economic development and technological advancement".
Digital
Describes a new, more efficient method of storing, processing and
transmitting information through the use of computer code.
Digital Television (DTV)
The umbrella term used for the new broadcasting system that uses
computer code to transmit pictures and sounds. DTV includes all types
of digital broadcasting, including High and Standard Definition
television, datacasting and multicasting.
Digital-to-Analog Converter Box
A stand-alone device that receives and converts digital signals into a
format for display on an analog television receiver.
High-Definition Television (HDTV)
One type of digital television signal that is broadcast at a higher
resolution than the others, providing a higher-quality picture.
Household
All of the people who occupy a housing unit. A housing unit is a
house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room
occupied as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are
those in which the occupants live separately from any other people in
the building and that have direct access from the outside of the
building or through a common hall.
Multicasting
The ability to transmit multiple standard-definition programs at the
same time using a single digital broadcast channel.
Nation Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
The President's principal adviser on telecommunications and
information policy issues.
NTSC Tuner
A device built-in to a TV that allows reception of analog
broadcasting.
Over-the-air
Refers to the transmission and reception of information in a wireless
communication system..
Rabbit ears
A V-shaped set-top antenna that is adjustable in length and angle.
Resolution
Amount of detail that can be seen in a broadcast image.
Rooftop antenna
An antenna mounted on the roof of a structure.
Set-top box
A stand-alone device that connects to a television and an external
source of signal, turning the signal into content which is then
displayed on the television screen.
Standard Definition TV (SDTV)
The basic digital television format closest in quality to traditional
analog TV.Privacy Policy & Accessibility | Contact Us
NTIA, U.S. Department of Commerce, USA.gov ESPAÑOL
https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
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