How to buy a digital tv receiver for less than $20

The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched a Digital TV Converter Box coupon program which will provide up to two $40 coupons for the purchase of basic digital tv converter boxes.The coupons actually look like gift cards and are accepted at stores like Best Buy, Circuit City and Radio Shack.

To apply for a coupon, visit:

https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx

Since basic digital boxes sell for $50-$60, you should be able to purchase a digital box for less than $20. Keep in mind that these coupons are intended for basic digital converter boxes. They will not be honored for high end devices (digital recorders, combination digital recievers / dvd burners, etc.)

Coupons also expire within 90 days from when they are mailed, so you may want to request one coupon at a time. It took me about 3 weeks to receive my coupon. Here’s what it looked like…

Digital Converter Box coupon

Next: How to watch your favorite cable shows without cable TV


10 comments ↓

#1 Priscilla Breed on 12.02.08 at 4:11 pm

Thank you for putting the USDC converter box coupon link onto your site. You made it so easy to apply for and now I’m looking forward to saving a further $40 as well as the $95.00 per month I was wasting on cable tv.

#2 admin on 12.02.08 at 5:57 pm

You’re welcome Priscilla! Glad you found our site useful.

#3 Max on 12.05.08 at 12:58 pm

How many digital converter box do I need? Do I need 1 for me and 1 for the kid rooms? Can you list of the equipments that I need to have so I don’t have to pay the cable company monthly fees.?

#4 Keith White on 12.06.08 at 5:39 am

I would like to know if i cancell my satelite service can I still get service on my tv or just my computer. I perfer the tv due to size and location.

Thank You
Keith

#5 admin on 12.09.08 at 7:47 pm

Max: Basically, you’ll need one digital converter box for each TV. Then just plug each converter into antenna. If you already have an external VHF/UHF antenna on your roof you should be able to use it. Otherwise you can purchase a set top antenna like like this one.

#6 admin on 12.09.08 at 7:52 pm

Hi Keith - You don’t need a computer to receive free digital broadcast TV, just a converter box. Thanks.

#7 Preparing for the February 17th digital switchover — CancelCable.com on 12.10.08 at 5:53 am

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#8 JV on 02.11.09 at 3:25 pm

Wow this is great info. Thank you very much, very helpful and thorough. I will share with all my friends. Thanks again.

#9 Jypt on 02.11.09 at 5:29 pm

We got our 2 coupons but when we went to use them they had been expired even though the date on the card was still good. We were told to write our congressman…what a load. Can I even get another coupon? The people on the phone said this was a common complaint they were getting.

My advice: Use the cards as soon as possible after you get them.

#10 Digital TV Transition Update — CancelCable.com on 02.17.09 at 1:43 pm

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