EchoStar plans new HDTV converter boxes – Free after Coupon!

According to their press release, EchoStar plans new HD digital TV converter boxes that would sell for $39.99. Using the free $40 off coupons offered through the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, these set-top-box tuners would be free (except any sale tax). This should help the poor and the elderly with The Big Switch.

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Jan 7, 2008 -- EchoStar Holding Corporation today announced its plans to offer two new digital-to-analog converter boxes. The boxes will be distributed in anticipation of the Federal Communications Commission's requirement that all full-power broadcasters cease the transmission of their analog signal by Feb. 17, 2009.

EchoStar's TR-40 over-the-air, digital-to-analog converter allows analog TVs to receive digital over-the-air broadcasts and comes with an onscreen setup wizard for easy installation. Other features include up to a seven-day electronic programming guide (EPG), program search, parental locks and VCR auto-tune timers. The box will be sold under both the EchoStar and Sling Media, Inc. brand names for $39.99 at retail, and can be purchased via the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. The program provides U.S. households with up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes, which includes the TR-40. Visit www.dtv2009.gov for more details. ...

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