Ready for the DTV Transition?

NEW YORK (AP) - Some people found out the hard way that those digital TV converter box coupons were like milk: they had
expiration dates and once they had passed, they'd be no good. But there's good news for those people, thanks to the federal economic
stimulus package. Those who had their coupons expire can now apply for new ones.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration says those with expired coupons now have a second
chance. Each household can now apply for a pair of $40 coupons that cover most of the cost of the converter boxes.

While 26 million coupons have been redeemed, 17 million expired at the end of their three-month life span. In addition, the government has cleared the
waiting list for coupons, meaning those who had applied for them before have now received them, or will soon.

The deadline for the nationwide switch to digital TV is now June 12. After then, older TVs that aren't hooked up to cable or satellite feeds will need
converter boxes.