Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

IBM to Manage DTV Coupon Program for Converter Boxes

IBM Awarded Commerce Department NTIA Contract for Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today awarded IBM (NYSE: IBM) a contract to provide services for the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.

The program is designed to help all Americans receive free, over-the-air television when full-power television stations cease analog broadcasting after February 17, 2009. The total award is $119,968,468 over 25 months, and work will begin immediately.

“This is a major milestone toward implementing a successful Coupon Program to ensure the switch from analog to digital television is completed smoothly and as planned,” said NTIA Administrator John Kneuer. “By awarding the contract on schedule, NTIA is preparing to be open for business so consumers may request coupons starting January 1, 2008, as required by law.”

“IBM and our business partners are pleased to support the NTIA program,” said John Nyland, Managing Partner, IBM Global Business Services, Public Sector. “A complex initiative like this requires innovative thinking, leading technologies and cooperation among retailers, broadcasters and government agencies to ensure that all Americans have continued access to free television broadcasting including educational, entertainment, emergency and homeland security information.”

IBM and its business partners, Corporate Lodging Consultants, Epiq Systems and Ketchum, will provide services in three areas:

  • Consumer education;
  • Coupon distribution to consumers and retail store participation; and
  • Financial processing to reimburse retailers, to maintain records, and to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

The Coupon Program, authorized by the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, provides for distribution and redemption of coupons that consumers may apply toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. Households using analog televisions will not be able to receive digital broadcasts after February 17, 2009, unless the analog television is connected to a converter box that switches the digital signal to an analog format, or the analog television is connected to cable or satellite service.

Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households may request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes until the initial $990 million allocated for the program has been exhausted. After this initial phase of the program, NTIA may request an additional $510 million already authorized by Congress. During this “contingent period,” coupons will be available exclusively to households that rely on over-the-air broadcasting as their sole source of television programming.

Additional information about the award may be found online at www.fbo.gov.

NTIA is responsible for the development of the domestic and international telecommunications policy of the Executive Branch. For more information about the Coupon Program, go to www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon. Additional information on IBM can be accessed by visiting www.ibm.com.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Roksan Caspian 4G Integrated / Streaming Amplifiers

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

The new Roksan Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier arrives at $3,750, while the Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier will set you back $5,000.

Cambridge Audio EXN100 Network Streamer and EXA100 Integrated Amplifier Front Angle Cambridge Audio EXN100 Network Streamer and EXA100 Integrated Amplifier Front Angle

Amplifiers

Cambridge Audio introduces the EXA100 stereo integrated amplifier for $2,199 and the EXN100 Network Music Streamer for $1,799.

DALI IO-8 Wireless Headphone in Caramel White worn on woman profile view right lifestyle DALI IO-8 Wireless Headphone in Caramel White worn on woman profile view right lifestyle

Headphones

At $900, the DALI IO-8 wireless headphones claim audiophile noise cancellation but they're not the Danish brand's most expensive model.

Bang & Olufsen Ferrari Collection 2024 Bang & Olufsen Ferrari Collection 2024

New Products

Bang & Olufsen expands its Ferrari Collection with an ultra luxury TV, soundbar and active loudspeaker.

FiiO KA15 'Cassette Player' Dongle DAC FiiO KA15 'Cassette Player' Dongle DAC

Dongle DACs

At $109, the FiiO KA15 is a retro inspired dongle DAC that looks like a mini cassette player, but there's no tape involved.

Pro-Ject T1 Evo Turntable Lifestyle Pro-Ject T1 Evo Turntable Lifestyle

New Products

Starting at $449, Pro-Ject's T1 Evo Series turntables come in three variations with or without Bluetooth and a built-in preamp.

Gift Ideas?

Amazon Prime Day Gift Guide 2024

Gift Guides

If you missed Amazon Prime Day there are still some of great deals on SVS 16-Ultra subwoofers, Roku Pro TVs and more.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers