You can start looking in your mailbox for those converter box coupons next week, when the government will start sending them out.

The $40 coupons for the digital boxes that will let you continue to watch TV on your old analog set when analog transmission is turned off next February are part of a $1.5-billion program to help out with the cost. Converter boxes themselves are expected to cost between $40 and $70.

Demand seems to be pretty high for the coupons so far, as about 5 million have been requested since Jan. 1, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration agency.

Note that after you receive the coupon you have 90 days to use them, and retailers like Best Buy are already stocking them.

You can sign up for coupons online from the NTIA at www.dtv2009.gov.

Via: USA Today

Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!