D2A Converter Box Update

Two more retailers have been added to the rolls of the federal governments approved digital-to-analog converter suppliers. Solid Signal of Novi, Mich., and Data Action of Dallas both carry converters that qualify for the government’s $40 subsidy coupon.

Solid Signal is also the first retailer to offer a converter with the analog pass-through capability necessary to receive low-power TV stations and translators signals. LPTVs and translators are not subject to the Feb. 17, 2009 analog shut-off date affecting full-power stations. Retailers have until the end of the month to apply for certification to be a part of the converter subsidy program.

More than 4 million households have requested more than 7.6 million coupons, and more than 2 million coupons have been mailed, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the agency in charge of the program.