The boxes, called TR-40, will sell for $39.99, but the National Telecommunications and Information Administration began offering $40 coupons for them on Jan. 1. Each household can get up to two coupons.
EchoStar will lose money on the boxes but will benefit from the interaction with new customers. The converter boxes were expected to cost $50 to $70.
Using the new converter, older TVs should get far clearer picture, electronic program guide, and some higher end converters will offer a built in DVR.
There are over 14 million homes in the country that still use an over the air antenae for at last 1 tv set and most of those TVs are not digital capable. People using cable or satelitte TV are not affected by the change.
To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at http://www.dtv2009.gov. The government also has set up a 24-hour hot line to take requests, 1-888-388-2009.
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