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For Immediate Release
01/09/08
Contact: |
Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
Brian Eaton w/Stevens 202-224-0445
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Senator Stevens Works to Ensure Smooth DTV Transition
Makes Coupon Applications Available at All Offices |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, voiced support for a smooth digital television transition. Broadcasters are mandated to switch to digital television (DTV) signals from the analog signals that are currently being used by February 17, 2009. The DTV transition will not only provide clearer pictures and increased programming, it will also free up airwaves for emergency first responders and new wireless communications.
A television connected to cable, satellite or other pay television service will not require a television converter box and will continue to receive broadcast signals after February 17, 2009. To assist Americans, applications for digital converter box coupons will be made available at all of Senator Stevens’ offices and through his website at http://stevens.senate.gov/dtv.
“In just over a year, television in America will undergo an enormous change when the switch from analog to digital television is complete,” said Senator Stevens. “It is vital that American consumers, including Alaskans, are ready. Having access to digital converter boxes will be the key to a smooth digital transition.”
Senator Stevens ensured that the $1.5 billion converter box coupon program was created to assist households that continue to use their analog television sets to receive over-the-air signals after February 17, 2009. The program will allow U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, which can be applied toward the cost of two eligible converter boxes. Senator Stevens continues to work with retailers to ensure that converter boxes are available for purchase online as well as in stores.
WHAT: The digital television (DTV) transition is scheduled for February 17, 2009. Converter box coupon applications are available from January 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009. There are four ways consumers can request a coupon: (1) Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov. (2) Call the coupon program’s 24-hour hot line, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634. (3) Mail a coupon application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. (4) Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
WHERE: To date, more than 250 retailers - totaling over 15,000 stores – are participating in the converter box coupon program. This includes eight of the largest consumer electronics retailers -- Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart.
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24th - |
Commerce Committee to Assess U.S. Readiness for DTV Transition
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee hearing for February 14, 2008, at 10 a.m., on U.S. readiness for the nationwide transition from analog television broadcasting to digital television (DTV) broadcasting.
With the February 17, 2009 transition date now just one year away, the hearing, One Year to the DTV Transition: ...
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23rd - |
Space Subcommittee to Hold NASA Budget Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Commerce Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences announced today that it will review that National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) budget proposal at a hearing on February 27, 2008, at 2:30 p.m.
A Review of NASA’s Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request
Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences Subcommittee
Date: Wednesday, ...
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22nd - |
Inouye Announces Commerce Committee Staff Changes
- WASHINGTON, DC – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) announced today the following changes to his Committee staff.
Alex Hoehn-Saric joins the Full Committee staff as Communications Counsel after a year as Counsel for the Commerce Subcommittees on Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety and Interstate Commerce, Trade and Tourism. Prior to joining the Comme...
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9th - |
current Press Release |
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