It’s not too late to get your (almost free) DTV converter box

June 12, 1:27 PMGadgets ExaminerDan Appleman

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The U.S. government will give you $40 off a DTV
converter box. Grab the deal while it lasts.

A few days ago I wrote how you can save hundreds of dollars on television by switching to digital broadcast TV. Though it’s a bit hard to imagine, digital broadcast TV is full high definition TV whose quality matches or exceeds that of cable or satellite for those channels in your area.

If your TV is more than a few years old, it may not have a built-in digital receiver. In that case you need a converter box to receive digital broadcasts. Even the least expensive of these boxes (about $49) typically provide an excellent picture. What’s more, you can order up to two coupons for $40 off a converter box from the government. Those coupons will be available until July 31st or the money runs out.

If you haven’t ordered your coupon, you should definitely do so today. Even if you’re happy with cable service now, you may decide in a few months that between local channels, video rental services and Internet services, you don’t really need to spend hundreds of dollars on cable or satellite – in which case having a converter box ready will be handy.

Remember, once you get your coupon, you have to use it within 90 days..