In article ,
Ann wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:53:33 -0500, Jim Elbrecht wrote:

Ann wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:43:04 -0800, Don Bruder wrote:
-snip-
So as far as I'm concerned, the basic concept involved for anyone and
everyone who isn't ready for it by now is this: You were warned. You
should have got off your lazy ass and dealt with it months ago. If you
didn't, and now you're not going to get your coupon in time (or maybe
not at all), suck it up, 'cause it's your own fault.

Who are you addressing? I don't recall anyone in this thread complaining
about not know how to get or hook up a converter box.

Not Don- but since I "'Amen'd" him earlier. . . .

It seems to me that in this thread and on the news there seems to be
a whole lot of handwringing over folks who might "lose the ability to
watch TV". [arguably not a terrible thing especially if you're
restricted to broadcast TV]

I'm with Don- that if you are about to lose your TV [in February] it is
your own fault. The annoying reminders are on my TV a dozen times a day
and have been for several months. The fixes are simple-- and even if
you still lose your TV in Feb. - you can probably pick up a $20 TV at a
thrift shop to restore your 'fix'. Or- God forbid- pay $40 for a
converter box. [which will probably go down to $20 when the gov't subsidy
runs out.]

Jim

That's a straw man response. The complaints were by posters (including
me) who DO HAVE a converter box (and/or HDTV set) and are unable to get
some/most of the stations we receive now. How is that our fault?

That said, it is what I expected so I was "prepared". The one thing that
is seriously irritating is that of the four fringe analog stations I get
now, the only one that comes through in digital is the FOX station.

We all choose to live where we live based on a compromise of advantages
and disadvantages. Big cities have both. So do rural areas. If TV is so
damn important to the complainers, they're free to move. Try Los
Angeles. Lots of TV stations. You can get a TV for your car, and when
you're driving on the six lane freeway at three miles per hour for two
hours twice a day, you can watch all the asinine programming you want.

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.

On Jan 7, 5:43*am, Don Bruder wrote:
In article ,





*Ann wrote:
On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know until
recently. *If one is to believewww.dtv2009.gova coupon ordered today
should be mailed on the 19th of this month. *But apparently that's in
doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling.
However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a
first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring
coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available. If
you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you will be
placed on a waiting list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or rabbit
ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action to ensure at
least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital television
transition. You may:

* * * Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon;
* * * Buy a TV with a digital tuner, or;
* * * Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service."

In a word:

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!

This whole switchover thing has been hammered on so loud, for so long,
by so many, that unless they've been in a coma, in a cell tucked into
the back of the deepest cave available, under a pile of rocks, there's
no legitimate way for ANYONE to claim that they weren't warned in time
to prepare.

I can hardly be called "cutting edge" when it comes to TV - I DON'T EVEN
OWN AN ACTUAL TV SET! Haven't since something like 2001 when the last
set I had literally went up in smoke due to a lightning strike. Yet I'm
not going to be hit by the switchover. Why not? 'Cause I got my
converter box to plug into the 15 year old VCR that's plugged into the
16 year old computer that substitutes for a TV back in August. Took
about 2 minutes to fill out the form on the website. Took about 5
minutes to wire the box into the mix once I got it home from the store.
Major hassle, huh?

So as far as I'm concerned, the basic concept involved for anyone and
everyone who isn't ready for it by now is this: You were warned. You
should have got off your lazy ass and dealt with it months ago. If you
didn't, and now you're not going to get your coupon in time (or maybe
not at all), suck it up, 'cause it's your own fault.

--
Don Bruder - - If your "From:" address isn't on my whitelist,
or the subject of the message doesn't contain the exact text "PopperAndShadow"
somewhere, any message sent to this address will go in the garbage without my
ever knowing it arrived. Sorry... http://www.sonic.net/~dakidd for more info- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You were warned. You should have got off your lazy ass and dealt
with it months ago. If you didn't, and now you're not going to get
your coupon in time (or maybe not at all), suck it up, 'cause it's
your own fault.

Let me start by saying I aleady have my coupons, so this isn't a
whine, it's just a comment on your post.

I don't see this as a "lazy ass" timing issue as much as a funding
issue.

If you'll refer to this site, you'll see that the application dates
and associated mailing dates imply availability of coupons until
1/9/2009. This means that the lazy asses should still be able to apply
- and receive - their coupons in time.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/RecentUpdates.aspx

However, since the funding seems to have run out, if your worst case
scenario unfolds - people not ever getting a coupon - then it wouldn't
have mattered if the lazy asses applied earlier. The funding would
have just run out sooner and they (or the same number of other people)
still would never receive their coupons. That wouldn't make it their
fault, it would make it the fault of those that funded the program.

Granted, if there is merely a delay in getting the coupons, then one
could assume that had everyone applied earlier, they would have found
funding before the cut-off date and folks would have their coupons. On
the other hand, if no more funding becomes available, then the timing
of the application wouldn't have mattered.

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:15:09 -0800, Smitty Two wrote:

In article ,
Ann wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:53:33 -0500, Jim Elbrecht wrote:

Ann wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:43:04 -0800, Don Bruder wrote:
-snip-
So as far as I'm concerned, the basic concept involved for anyone
and everyone who isn't ready for it by now is this: You were warned.
You should have got off your lazy ass and dealt with it months ago.
If you didn't, and now you're not going to get your coupon in time
(or maybe not at all), suck it up, 'cause it's your own fault.

Who are you addressing? I don't recall anyone in this thread
complaining about not know how to get or hook up a converter box.

Not Don- but since I "'Amen'd" him earlier. . . .

It seems to me that in this thread and on the news there seems to be
a whole lot of handwringing over folks who might "lose the ability to
watch TV". [arguably not a terrible thing especially if you're
restricted to broadcast TV]

I'm with Don- that if you are about to lose your TV [in February] it
is your own fault. The annoying reminders are on my TV a dozen times
a day and have been for several months. The fixes are simple-- and
even if you still lose your TV in Feb. - you can probably pick up a
$20 TV at a thrift shop to restore your 'fix'. Or- God forbid- pay
$40 for a converter box. [which will probably go down to $20 when the
gov't subsidy runs out.]

Jim

That's a straw man response. The complaints were by posters (including
me) who DO HAVE a converter box (and/or HDTV set) and are unable to get
some/most of the stations we receive now. How is that our fault?

That said, it is what I expected so I was "prepared". The one thing that
is seriously irritating is that of the four fringe analog stations I get
now, the only one that comes through in digital is the FOX station.

We all choose to live where we live based on a compromise of advantages
and disadvantages. Big cities have both. So do rural areas. If TV is so
damn important to the complainers, they're free to move. Try Los Angeles.
Lots of TV stations. You can get a TV for your car, and when you're
driving on the six lane freeway at three miles per hour for two hours
twice a day, you can watch all the asinine programming you want.

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.

But the converse is not true (either). Having $50 for a converter box
does not mean you are a successful human being.

In article ,
Jim Elbrecht wrote:

Ann wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:43:04 -0800, Don Bruder wrote:
-snip-
So as far as I'm concerned, the basic concept involved for anyone and
everyone who isn't ready for it by now is this: You were warned. You
should have got off your lazy ass and dealt with it months ago. If you
didn't, and now you're not going to get your coupon in time (or maybe not
at all), suck it up, 'cause it's your own fault.

Who are you addressing? I don't recall anyone in this thread complaining
about not know how to get or hook up a converter box.

Not Don- but since I "'Amen'd" him earlier. . . .

It seems to me that in this thread and on the news there seems to be
a whole lot of handwringing over folks who might "lose the ability to
watch TV". [arguably not a terrible thing especially if you're
restricted to broadcast TV]

I'm with Don- that if you are about to lose your TV [in February] it
is your own fault. The annoying reminders are on my TV a dozen times
a day and have been for several months.

*ONLY* a dozen times *A DAY*?!?!?

Yeesh, Jim, you must be in a deprived area - Here in the so-called
"Seattle metro broadcast area", you can hardly switch on the tube
without seeing a "DTV is coming, are you ready?" type thing - Whether as
a full-grown 30-90 second PSA that's purely "The switch is coming",
without any other specific advertising, an outright cable/Dish/DirecTV
commercial yelling about how they'll make it so you don't need to worry
about it, a logo in the corner of whatever is playing at the moment
(usually animated and annoying), a constantly repeated message on the
crawl during newscasts, or a stand-alone "news piece" reporting how
"There's only X days left before the switch to digital". And that's only
on the channels I actually watch.

If it's being flogged less than a dozen times *AN HOUR* here, I'll eat
my hat, without salt or ketchup.

I also want to know what rocket-surgeon came up with the idea of having
the "Are you ready?" spots showing up on... (wait for it...) THE
DIGITAL-ONLY SUB-CHANNELS!

Does it not follow that if I didn't already have the needed gear, *I
WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SEE THE MESSAGE THAT TELLS ME I NEED TO GET THE
GEAR?*

HELLO! Common sense department! We need a delivery to the "Are You
Ready?" office, ASAP!

--
Don Bruder - - If your "From:" address isn't on my whitelist,
or the subject of the message doesn't contain the exact text "PopperAndShadow"
somewhere, any message sent to this address will go in the garbage without my
ever knowing it arrived. Sorry... http://www.sonic.net/~dakidd for more info

Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon when you do
finally get it. So no one goes without. And after all it's only $50
anyway.

s


"Ann" wrote in message
news
On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know until
recently. If one is to believe www.dtv2009.gov a coupon ordered today
should be mailed on the 19th of this month. But apparently that's in
doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling.
However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a
first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring
coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available. If
you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you will be
placed on a waiting list. ...


Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or rabbit
ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action to ensure at
least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital television
transition. You may:

* Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon;
* Buy a TV with a digital tuner, or;
* Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service."

On Jan 7, 1:12*pm, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon when you do
finally get it. *So no one goes without. *And after all it's only $50
anyway.

s

"Ann" wrote in message

news


On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know until
recently. *If one is to believewww.dtv2009.gova coupon ordered today
should be mailed on the 19th of this month. *But apparently that's in
doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling.
However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a
first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring
coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available. If
you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you will be
placed on a waiting list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or rabbit
ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action to ensure at
least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital television
transition. You may:

* ** Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon;
* ** Buy a TV with a digital tuner, or;
* ** Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have 2, only need one, don't even *really* need that one.

Is that eBay I hear calling?

On Jan 7, 11:15*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,





*Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:53:33 -0500, Jim Elbrecht wrote:

Ann wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:43:04 -0800, Don Bruder wrote:
-snip-
So as far as I'm concerned, the basic concept involved for anyone and
everyone who isn't ready for it by now is this: You were warned. You
should have got off your lazy ass and dealt with it months ago. If you
didn't, and now you're not going to get your coupon in time (or maybe
not at all), suck it up, 'cause it's your own fault.

Who are you addressing? *I don't recall anyone in this thread complaining
about not know how to get or hook up a converter box.

Not Don- but since I "'Amen'd" him earlier. . . .

*It seems to me that in this thread and on the news there seems to be
a whole lot of handwringing over folks who might "lose the ability to
watch TV". * [arguably not a terrible thing especially if you're
restricted to broadcast TV]

I'm with Don- that if you are about to lose your TV [in February] it is
your own fault. * The annoying reminders are on my TV a dozen times a day
and have been for several months. * *The fixes are simple-- and even if
you still lose your TV in Feb. - you can probably pick up a $20 TV at a
thrift shop to restore your 'fix'. *Or- God forbid- pay $40 for a
converter box. [which will probably go down to $20 when the gov't subsidy
runs out.]

Jim

That's a straw man response. *The complaints were by posters (including
me) who DO HAVE a converter box (and/or HDTV set) and are unable to get
some/most of the stations we receive now. *How is that our fault?

That said, it is what I expected so I was "prepared". The one thing that
is seriously irritating is that of the four fringe analog stations I get
now, the only one that comes through in digital is the FOX station. *

We all choose to live where we live based on a compromise of advantages
and disadvantages. Big cities have both. So do rural areas. If TV is so
damn important to the complainers, they're free to move. Try Los
Angeles. Lots of TV stations. You can get a TV for your car, and when
you're driving on the six lane freeway at three miles per hour for two
hours twice a day, you can watch all the asinine programming you want.

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

All those people complaining about not getting their coupon are the
same ones who where complaining back in November about showing up at
the polling places at 6:55 pm and having to wait in long lines with
the rest of the procrastinators. If you wait until the last minute,
you have only yourself to blame. I got my boxes early last year and
they have been setting in the cabinet until needed. Didn't have any
problem finding them when I was ready to purchase either. My only
complaint was having to pay sales tax on the full amount and I am not
complaining about that.

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:07:59 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Jan 7, 1:12Â*pm, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon when you
do finally get it. Â*So no one goes without. Â*And after all it's only
$50 anyway.

s

"Ann" wrote in message

news


On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know
until recently. Â*If one is to believewww.dtv2009.gova coupon ordered
today should be mailed on the 19th of this month. Â*But apparently
that's in doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling.
However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a
first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring
coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available.
If you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you
will be placed on a waiting list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or
rabbit ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action to
ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital
television transition. You may:

Â* Â** Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon; Â* Â** Buy a TV
with a digital tuner, or; Â* Â** Subscribe to cable, satellite or
another pay service."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have 2, only need one, don't even *really* need that one.

Is that eBay I hear calling?

Probably not. It's illegal to sell the coupons. Ebay searches show
500+ hits for converter box and none for converter box coupon. So,
you'd have to buy a converter box with the coupon and sell it. It is
however legal to give a coupon to a friend, neighbor, or relative.

On Jan 7, 3:17*pm, Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:07:59 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 1:12*pm, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon when you
do finally get it. *So no one goes without. *And after all it's only
$50 anyway.

s

"Ann" wrote in message

news

On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know
until recently. *If one is to believewww.dtv2009.govacoupon ordered
today should be mailed on the 19th of this month. *But apparently
that's in doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling..
However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a
first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring
coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available.
If you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you
will be placed on a waiting list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or
rabbit ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action to
ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital
television transition. You may:

* ** Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon; * ** Buy a TV
with a digital tuner, or; * ** Subscribe to cable, satellite or
another pay service."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have 2, only need one, don't even *really* need that one.

Is that eBay I hear calling?

Probably not. It's illegal to sell the coupons. *Ebay searches show
500+ hits for converter box and none for converter box coupon. *So,
you'd have to buy a converter box with the coupon and sell it. * It is
however legal to give a coupon to a friend, neighbor, or relative. *- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative
of every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because
they are my friend, neighbor or relative.

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:35:17 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Jan 7, 3:17Â*pm, Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:07:59 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 1:12Â*pm, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon when
you do finally get it. Â*So no one goes without. Â*And after all it's
only $50 anyway.

s

"Ann" wrote in message

news

On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know
until recently. Â*If one is to believewww.dtv2009.govacoupon
ordered today should be mailed on the 19th of this month. Â*But
apparently that's in doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding
ceiling. However, coupon requests from eligible households will be
filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become available
from expiring coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds
becomes available. If you would like to apply for a coupon today
and are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or
rabbit ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action
to ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital
television transition. You may:

Â* Â** Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon; Â* Â** Buy a
TV with a digital tuner, or; Â* Â** Subscribe to cable, satellite
or another pay service."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have 2, only need one, don't even *really* need that one.

Is that eBay I hear calling?

Probably not. It's illegal to sell the coupons. Â*Ebay searches show
500+ hits for converter box and none for converter box coupon. Â*So,
you'd have to buy a converter box with the coupon and sell it. Â* It is
however legal to give a coupon to a friend, neighbor, or relative. Â*-
Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative of
every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because they
are my friend, neighbor or relative.

Give it a try. My bet is that it ends up like this one:

"The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer
available for sale."

http://tinyurl.com/8zb9w2

On Jan 7, 4:01*pm, Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:35:17 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 3:17*pm, Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:07:59 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 1:12*pm, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon when
you do finally get it. *So no one goes without. *And after all it's
only $50 anyway.

s

"Ann" wrote in message

news

On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know
until recently. *If one is to believewww.dtv2009.govacoupon
ordered today should be mailed on the 19th of this month. *But
apparently that's in doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding
ceiling. However, coupon requests from eligible households will be
filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become available
from expiring coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds
becomes available. If you would like to apply for a coupon today
and are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or
rabbit ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action
to ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital
television transition. You may:

* ** Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon; * ** Buy a
TV with a digital tuner, or; * ** Subscribe to cable, satellite
or another pay service."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have 2, only need one, don't even *really* need that one.

Is that eBay I hear calling?

Probably not. It's illegal to sell the coupons. *Ebay searches show
500+ hits for converter box and none for converter box coupon. *So,
you'd have to buy a converter box with the coupon and sell it. * It is
however legal to give a coupon to a friend, neighbor, or relative. *-
Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative of
every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because they
are my friend, neighbor or relative.

Give it a try. *My bet is that it ends up like this one:

"The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer
available for sale."

http://tinyurl.com/8zb9w2- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Which means he found someone to buy it without having to pay eBay for
it.

On Jan 7, 5:17�pm, BobR wrote:
On Jan 7, 4:01�pm, Ann wrote:





On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:35:17 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 3:17�pm, Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:07:59 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 1:12�pm, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon when
you do finally get it. �So no one goes without. �And after all it's
only $50 anyway.

s

"Ann" wrote in message

news

On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know
until recently. �If one is to believewww.dtv2009.govacoupon
ordered today should be mailed on the 19th of this month. �But
apparently that's in doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding
ceiling. However, coupon requests from eligible households will be
filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become available
from expiring coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds
becomes available. If you would like to apply for a coupon today
and are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or
rabbit ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action
to ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital
television transition. You may:

� �* Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon; � �* Buy a
TV with a digital tuner, or; � �* Subscribe to cable, satellite
or another pay service."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have 2, only need one, don't even *really* need that one.

Is that eBay I hear calling?

Probably not. It's illegal to sell the coupons. �Ebay searches show
500+ hits for converter box and none for converter box coupon. �So,
you'd have to buy a converter box with the coupon and sell it. � It is
however legal to give a coupon to a friend, neighbor, or relative. �-
Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative of
every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because they
are my friend, neighbor or relative.

Give it a try. �My bet is that it ends up like this one:

"The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer
available for sale."

http://tinyurl.com/8zb9w2-Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Which means he found someone to buy it without having to pay eBay for
it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

ebay routinely pulls adds of illegal or prohibited items

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:17:30 -0800, BobR wrote:

On Jan 7, 4:01Â*pm, Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:35:17 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 3:17Â*pm, Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:07:59 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 1:12Â*pm, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon
when you do finally get it. Â*So no one goes without. Â*And after
all it's only $50 anyway.

s

"Ann" wrote in message

news

On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't
know until recently. Â*If one is to
believewww.dtv2009.govacoupon ordered today should be mailed on
the 19th of this month. Â*But apparently that's in doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding
ceiling. However, coupon requests from eligible households will
be filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become
available from expiring coupons. You will not receive coupons
until funds becomes available. If you would like to apply for a
coupon today and are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting
list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or
rabbit ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take
action to ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for
the digital television transition. You may:

Â* Â** Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon; Â* Â** Buy
a TV with a digital tuner, or; Â* Â** Subscribe to cable,
satellite or another pay service."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have 2, only need one, don't even *really* need that one.

Is that eBay I hear calling?

Probably not. It's illegal to sell the coupons. Â*Ebay searches show
500+ hits for converter box and none for converter box coupon. Â*So,
you'd have to buy a converter box with the coupon and sell it. Â* It
is however legal to give a coupon to a friend, neighbor, or relative.
Â*- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative
of every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because
they are my friend, neighbor or relative.

Give it a try. Â*My bet is that it ends up like this one:

"The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer
available for sale."

http://tinyurl.com/8zb9w2- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Which means he found someone to buy it without having to pay eBay for it.

Sure it does. g And the reason there are no current listings is that
no one else has thought of selling their unused coupon on ebay.

Ann wrote:
On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know until
recently. If one is to believe www.dtv2009.gov a coupon ordered today
should be mailed on the 19th of this month. But apparently that's in
doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling.
However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a
first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring
coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available. If
you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you will be
placed on a waiting list. ...

I had the problem of ordering the coupons as soon as they were
available. Unfortunately they had a 90 day limit for redemption, but
there were no boxes for sale within that 90 days.

People will just have to choose between buying the boxes at full price,
buying digital TVs, signing up for cable or satellite which provide
boxes with analog output, or giving up TV.

Smitty Two wrote in
news

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.

Many older people are on fixed incomes that barely meet their present
needs,some have to decide between food and necessary meds.
TV may be their only entertainment,too.

I'm SURE they are not "snivellers" nor "pathetic losers".
OTOH,you sure sound like a fine piece of work.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

Ann wrote in
news
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:07:59 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Jan 7, 1:12Â*pm, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
Best buy is allowing the purchase now and crediting the coupon when
you do finally get it. Â*So no one goes without. Â*And after all
it's only $50 anyway.

s

"Ann" wrote in message

news


On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know
until recently. Â*If one is to believewww.dtv2009.gova coupon
ordered today should be mailed on the 19th of this month. Â*But
apparently that's in doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding
ceiling. However, coupon requests from eligible households will be
filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become
available from expiring coupons. You will not receive coupons
until funds becomes available. If you would like to apply for a
coupon today and are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting
list. ...

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or
rabbit ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take
action to ensure at least one TV in their home is prepared for the
digital television transition. You may:

Â* Â** Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon; Â* Â** Buy a
TV with a digital tuner, or; Â* Â** Subscribe to cable, satellite
or another pay service."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I have 2, only need one, don't even *really* need that one.

Is that eBay I hear calling?

Probably not. It's illegal to sell the coupons. Ebay searches show
500+ hits for converter box and none for converter box coupon. So,
you'd have to buy a converter box with the coupon and sell it.

It is
however legal to give a coupon to a friend, neighbor, or relative.


sure you can give it to them,BUT...
when you use your coupon,they check your ID to ensure it matches the
coupon.No match,no discount.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

In article ,
Jim Yanik wrote:

Smitty Two wrote in
news

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.

Many older people are on fixed incomes that barely meet their present
needs,some have to decide between food and necessary meds.
TV may be their only entertainment,too.

I'm SURE they are not "snivellers" nor "pathetic losers".
OTOH,you sure sound like a fine piece of work.

1. If TV were their only entertainment, then they wouldn't have a
computer connected to the internet, would they?

2. If TV were their only entertainment, then they'd be pathetic losers
by definition. No friends, no family, no hobbies, no books, *nothing*
but TV? Give me a ****ing bullet in the head, please.

3. Anyone who has to choose between medicine and food should've taken
better care of their health and their money during the earlier years.

4. We're talking about *fifty dollars,* here. That's 14 cents a day for
a year. If you're incapable of adjusting your budget to cough up that
much, then you're insufferably stupid on top of being a whining loser.

5. Many people have lived and died without a TV. We didn't have one when
I was growing up. If you can't afford it, you can't afford it. I can't
afford a private jet, but you don't see me crying to the gummint for a
****ing coupon to buy one.

6. Yep, I'm a fine piece of work. Glad you noticed.

In article
,
DerbyDad03 wrote:


What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative
of every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because
they are my friend, neighbor or relative.

I smell a "gifting circle" in the making.

Smitty Two wrote in newsrestwhich-
:

In article ,
Jim Yanik wrote:

Smitty Two wrote in
news

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.

Many older people are on fixed incomes that barely meet their present
needs,some have to decide between food and necessary meds.
TV may be their only entertainment,too.

I'm SURE they are not "snivellers" nor "pathetic losers".
OTOH,you sure sound like a fine piece of work.

1. If TV were their only entertainment, then they wouldn't have a
computer connected to the internet, would they?

who said anything about whether they have a PC or not?
But it really doesn't matter,as the new system makes their existing gear
useless without buying a converter at -extra- expense.

2. If TV were their only entertainment, then they'd be pathetic losers
by definition. No friends, no family, no hobbies, no books, *nothing*
but TV? Give me a ****ing bullet in the head, please.

What a heartless soul you are. you make Scrooge look humane.

3. Anyone who has to choose between medicine and food should've taken
better care of their health and their money during the earlier years.

What a heartless soul you are. you make Scrooge look humane.


4. We're talking about *fifty dollars,* here. That's 14 cents a day for
a year. If you're incapable of adjusting your budget to cough up that
much, then you're insufferably stupid on top of being a whining loser.

What a heartless soul you are. you make Scrooge look humane.


5. Many people have lived and died without a TV. We didn't have one when
I was growing up. If you can't afford it, you can't afford it. I can't
afford a private jet, but you don't see me crying to the gummint for a
****ing coupon to buy one.

you don't need a JET to get important news and information.
For many people,it's the only window on the world.


6. Yep, I'm a fine piece of work. Glad you noticed.


the comment went right over your head. Expected that,though.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

In article ,
Jim Yanik wrote:


who said anything about whether they have a PC or not?

They're online, participating in a usenet discussion. Therefore, TV is
*not* their only form of entertainment.

But it really doesn't matter,as the new system makes their existing gear
useless without buying a converter at -extra- expense.

So the **** what? We all have plenty of obsolete electronic gear lying
around, or in the local landfill.

Things change. We all had to put up with a complicated, expensive,
clumsy, buggy color TV system our whole lives because some crybabies
didn't want their B & W TV's to become obsolete. Sheesh.


2. If TV were their only entertainment, then they'd be pathetic losers
by definition. No friends, no family, no hobbies, no books, *nothing*
but TV? Give me a ****ing bullet in the head, please.

What a heartless soul you are. you make Scrooge look humane.

I'm heartless because I think it's pathetic that someone would have
nothing whatever to do all day besides watch TV? I'd say that makes me
compassionate.


3. Anyone who has to choose between medicine and food should've taken
better care of their health and their money during the earlier years.

What a heartless soul you are. you make Scrooge look humane.

Nope. Just honest. I'm actually a bleeding heart liberal, but I don't
think I should be bailing out people who spent a lifetime making bad
choices.



4. We're talking about *fifty dollars,* here. That's 14 cents a day for
a year. If you're incapable of adjusting your budget to cough up that
much, then you're insufferably stupid on top of being a whining loser.

What a heartless soul you are. you make Scrooge look humane.

You're stuttering.



5. Many people have lived and died without a TV. We didn't have one when
I was growing up. If you can't afford it, you can't afford it. I can't
afford a private jet, but you don't see me crying to the gummint for a
****ing coupon to buy one.

you don't need a JET to get important news and information.
For many people,it's the only window on the world.

It's a phenomenal waste of time, once you stray beyond Leave It To
Beaver and The Andy Griffith Show reruns. As a source of "news and
information," it could hardly get any worse.

If someone needs a "window on the world," let him look out the real
window at the real world. He can watch a bug on a leaf for an hour and
gain more than a whole month in front of TV.



6. Yep, I'm a fine piece of work. Glad you noticed.


the comment went right over your head. Expected that,though.

Nothing slips by me, Jim, not even weak jabs pasted in from the Official
Usenet Pest Guide.

On Jan 7, 11:58*pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,

*DerbyDad03 wrote:
What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative
of every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because
they are my friend, neighbor or relative.

I smell a "gifting circle" in the making.

Nope, AFAIK a Gifting Circle does not involve a product. All gifts are
financial i.e cash in hand.

Besides, Gifting Circles are illegal.

In article
,
DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Jan 7, 11:58*pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,

*DerbyDad03 wrote:
What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative
of every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because
they are my friend, neighbor or relative.

I smell a "gifting circle" in the making.

Nope, AFAIK a Gifting Circle does not involve a product. All gifts are
financial i.e cash in hand.

Besides, Gifting Circles are illegal.

Yep, they're illegal. Which is why they all claim to *not* be Gifting
Circles. Your claim to distinction could be the converter box.

Let's see, you get a few generations of Blessed Brothers and Saved
Sisters to pony up $5, and when they get to the Golden Chair they'll get
a half million dollars *and* a DTV converter!

On Jan 8, 12:43*pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,





*DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jan 7, 11:58*pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,

*DerbyDad03 wrote:
What a coincedence! I just happen to be a friend, neighbor or relative
of every person who uses eBay.

I'll give a couple of them a coupon, and they can give me $15 because
they are my friend, neighbor or relative.

I smell a "gifting circle" in the making.

Nope, AFAIK a Gifting Circle does not involve a product. All gifts are
financial i.e cash in hand.

Besides, Gifting Circles are illegal.

Yep, they're illegal. Which is why they all claim to *not* be Gifting
Circles. Your claim to distinction could be the converter box.

Let's see, you get a few generations of Blessed Brothers and Saved
Sisters to pony up $5, and when they get to the Golden Chair they'll get
a half million dollars *and* a DTV converter!- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

A few generations? Heck, I've only got 2 coupons!

On Jan 8, 11:58*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
*Jim Yanik wrote:



who said anything about whether they have a PC or not?

They're online, participating in a usenet discussion. Therefore, TV is
*not* their only form of entertainment.

He's not talking about people who are participating in this
discussion. He
is talking about elderly people, at home, wondering whether they can
pay to heat their homes and also pay for the medication they require
because their bodies are worn out from building the infrastructure
that
you enjoy so much.

I'm heartless because I think it's pathetic that someone would have
nothing whatever to do all day besides watch TV? I'd say that makes me
compassionate.

So, what do you want some 86-year-old retiree living on Social
Security
(because their job never paid enough to put anything by) to do? Full
contact karate?

Do you even know anybody who's over 50?

3. Anyone who has to choose between medicine and food should've taken
better care of their health and their money during the earlier years.

What a heartless soul you are. you make Scrooge look humane.

Nope. Just honest. I'm actually a bleeding heart liberal, but I don't
think I should be bailing out people who spent a lifetime making bad
choices.

If you think everybody has had unlimited choices, then you've really
got your head up your ass. Look around, why don't you?

Hell, I was the first person in my family to attend college, and I
think
my mother was the first to graduate from high school.

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:43:47 -0500, Ann wrote:

[snip]

They apparently underestimated how many cable/satellite households
also have a set(s) used for OTA reception. And, when the economy tanked,
more than the expected number of OTA households may have decided they
really didn't need to spend money on an HDTV right now.

No HDTV is necessary to get the digital broadcasts. Any new TV (even a
small one) has a ATSC (digital) tuner. Also, you probably don't need a
new antenna (for HDTV or not).
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"The government of the United States is not, in
any sense, founded on the Christian religion."

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:26:12 -0500, Ann wrote:

[snip]

Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or rabbit
ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action to ensure at
least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital television
transition. You may:

* Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon;
* Buy a TV with a digital tuner, or;
* Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service."




I don't need to do any of those things. I'll just watch the
extra-crappy low-power station :-)

Jim Yanik wrote:
Smitty Two wrote in
news

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.

Many older people are on fixed incomes that barely meet their present
needs,some have to decide between food and necessary meds.
TV may be their only entertainment,too.

I'm SURE they are not "snivellers" nor "pathetic losers".
OTOH,you sure sound like a fine piece of work.

The fact is that the elderly are the demographic group in the US that
has, on average, the highest level of income in excess of their basic needs.

You probably can't name any older people who are on fixed incomes. But
if you really know anyone in that situation, why don't you give them the
$50?

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:23:21 -0500, George
wrote:

wrote:
On Jan 7, 7:53?am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:43:04 -0800, Don Bruder wrote:
-snip-
So as far as I'm concerned, the basic concept involved for anyone and
everyone who isn't ready for it by now is this: You were warned. You
should have got off your lazy ass and dealt with it months ago. If you
didn't, and now you're not going to get your coupon in time (or maybe not
at all), suck it up, 'cause it's your own fault.
Who are you addressing? ?I don't recall anyone in this thread complaining
about not know how to get or hook up a converter box.
Not Don- but since I "'Amen'd" him earlier. . . . ? ?

?It seems to me that in this thread and on the news there seems to be
a whole lot of handwringing over folks who might "lose the ability to
watch TV". ? [arguably not a terrible thing especially if you're
restricted to broadcast TV]

I'm with Don- that if you are about to lose your TV [in February] it
is your own fault. ? The annoying reminders are on my TV a dozen times
a day and have been for several months. ? ?The fixes are simple-- and
even if you still lose your TV in Feb. - you can probably pick up a
$20 TV at a thrift shop to restore your 'fix'. ?Or- God forbid- pay
$40 for a converter box. [which will probably go down to $20 when the
gov't subsidy runs out.]

Jim

doesnt help if the channels signals are too weak

And at least WTAE who was never known for good signals around here
moved the digital transmitter site far south of pittsburgh and has the
least output power of any station.


According to the FCC database both WTAE transmitters (channel 4 analog
and 51 DT )are here at the same location:

CDBS Application ID No.: 203659

40° 16' 49.00" N Latitude
79° 48' 11.00" W Longitude (NAD 27)


What will likely happen when analog is turned off is that the DT will
get changes in some or all of antenna/ERP/frequency


I know of one TV station around here that plans to go back to the old
channel after the transition.


they dont appear to care.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"The government of the United States is not, in
any sense, founded on the Christian religion."

On Jan 8, 3:24�pm, Mark Lloyd wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:23:21 -0500, George
wrote:





wrote:
On Jan 7, 7:53?am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
Ann wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:43:04 -0800, Don Bruder wrote:
-snip-
So as far as I'm concerned, the basic concept involved for anyone and
everyone who isn't ready for it by now is this: You were warned. You
should have got off your lazy ass and dealt with it months ago. If you
didn't, and now you're not going to get your coupon in time (or maybe not
at all), suck it up, 'cause it's your own fault.
Who are you addressing? ?I don't recall anyone in this thread complaining
about not know how to get or hook up a converter box.
Not Don- but since I "'Amen'd" him earlier. . . . ? ?

?It seems to me that in this thread and on the news there seems to be
a whole lot of handwringing over folks who might "lose the ability to
watch TV". ? [arguably not a terrible thing especially if you're
restricted to broadcast TV]

I'm with Don- that if you are about to lose your TV [in February] it
is your own fault. ? The annoying reminders are on my TV a dozen times
a day and have been for several months. ? ?The fixes are simple-- and
even if you still lose your TV in Feb. - you can probably pick up a
$20 TV at a thrift shop to restore your 'fix'. ?Or- God forbid- pay
$40 for a converter box. [which will probably go down to $20 when the
gov't subsidy runs out.]

Jim

doesnt help if the channels signals are too weak

And at least WTAE who was never known for good signals around here
moved the digital transmitter site far south of pittsburgh and has the
least output power of any station.

According to the FCC database both WTAE transmitters (channel 4 analog
and 51 DT )are here at the same location:

CDBS Application ID No.: 203659

� �40� 16' 49.00" N Latitude
� �79� 48' 11.00" W Longitude (NAD 27)

What will likely happen when analog is turned off is that the DT will
get changes in some or all of antenna/ERP/frequency

I know of one TV station around here that plans to go back to the old
channel after the transition.



they dont appear to care.

--
Mark Lloydhttp://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"The government of the United States is not, in
any sense, founded on the Christian religion."- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Well I called my congressmans office, the lady called me back after
not listening to my original question.

HAVE THE FREQUENCIES BEEN AUCTIONED OFF? AND IF SO FOR WHAT?

My point is why turn off channels TODAY, if reuse of channel space
wouldnt be for years.

Congressmans rep is a class A jerk.

I said when people cant see their channels they will hate the
government and be unable to watch re election commercials.

she said everyone hates us anyway.

the rep needs to find a new job! obviously her office pays lip
service to those who call in, they dont care

On Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:20:08 -0600, Mark Lloyd wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:43:47 -0500, Ann wrote:

[snip]

They apparently underestimated how many cable/satellite households also
have a set(s) used for OTA reception. And, when the economy tanked, more
than the expected number of OTA households may have decided they really
didn't need to spend money on an HDTV right now.

No HDTV is necessary to get the digital broadcasts. Any new TV (even a
small one) has a ATSC (digital) tuner. Also, you probably don't need a new
antenna (for HDTV or not).

My comment related to the number of coupons for converter boxes it was
(under) estimated would be requested.

On Jan 8, 4:07�pm, Ann wrote:
On Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:20:08 -0600, Mark Lloyd wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:43:47 -0500, Ann wrote:

[snip]

They apparently underestimated how many cable/satellite households also
have a set(s) used for OTA reception. And, when the economy tanked, more
than the expected number of OTA households may have decided they really
didn't need to spend money on an HDTV right now.

No HDTV is necessary to get the digital broadcasts. Any new TV (even a
small one) has a ATSC (digital) tuner. Also, you probably don't need a new
antenna (for HDTV or not).

My comment related to the number of coupons for converter boxes it was
(under) estimated would be requested. �

Its a typical government project, Obama has called to delay shutoff

Meanwhile congress office reports analog bandwidth has NOT been
auctioned off yet.no final decision on what services it would be used
for either

Reuse for any service will take YEARS.

wrote:
On Jan 8, 4:07�pm, Ann wrote:
On Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:20:08 -0600, Mark Lloyd wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:43:47 -0500, Ann wrote:
[snip]
They apparently underestimated how many cable/satellite households also
have a set(s) used for OTA reception. And, when the economy tanked, more
than the expected number of OTA households may have decided they really
didn't need to spend money on an HDTV right now.
No HDTV is necessary to get the digital broadcasts. Any new TV (even a
small one) has a ATSC (digital) tuner. Also, you probably don't need a new
antenna (for HDTV or not).
My comment related to the number of coupons for converter boxes it was
(under) estimated would be requested. �

Its a typical government project, Obama has called to delay shutoff

Meanwhile congress office reports analog bandwidth has NOT been
auctioned off yet.no final decision on what services it would be used
for either

This is all public information. 698-806 MHz was divided into 5 blocks
(A-E). The largest block (Block C, 22 MHZ) was purchased by Verizon
Wireless.


http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/def..._summary&id=73


Reuse for any service will take YEARS.

On Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:57:25 -0800, wrote:

On Jan 8, 4:07�pm, Ann wrote:
On Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:20:08 -0600, Mark Lloyd wrote:
On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:43:47 -0500, Ann wrote:

[snip]

They apparently underestimated how many cable/satellite households
also have a set(s) used for OTA reception. And, when the economy
tanked, more than the expected number of OTA households may have
decided they really didn't need to spend money on an HDTV right now.

No HDTV is necessary to get the digital broadcasts. Any new TV (even a
small one) has a ATSC (digital) tuner. Also, you probably don't need a
new antenna (for HDTV or not).

My comment related to the number of coupons for converter boxes it was
(under) estimated would be requested. �

Its a typical government project, Obama has called to delay shutoff

I just saw that. At most, it would only be a temporary postponement to get
coupons funded and to people who have applied for them.

Meanwhile congress office reports analog bandwidth has NOT been auctioned
off yet.no final decision on what services it would be used for either

Auctions have been ongoing. Last March #73, for 700 MHz closed,
grossing $19.1 Billion
http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/def..._summary&id=73

Reuse for any service will take YEARS.

In article ,
(Jim Yanik) says...
Smitty Two wrote in
news

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.

Many older people are on fixed incomes that barely meet their present
needs,some have to decide between food and necessary meds.
TV may be their only entertainment,too.

I'm SURE they are not "snivellers" nor "pathetic losers".
OTOH,you sure sound like a fine piece of work.

It is quite possible to be a pathetic loser for your whole life. The
world is full of people who are ending their life in poverty because
they would rather buy a beer and cigarettes than save their money. It
was their choice, now they get to die with it.

--
For email, replace firstnamelastinitial
with my first name and last initial.

On Jan 8, 3:23*pm, "Not@home" wrote:
Jim Yanik wrote:
Smitty Two wrote in
news

As far as the "coupon expiring" snivellers, if you can't afford a $50
gadget without the gummint helping you, you're a pathetic loser.

Many older people are on fixed incomes that barely meet their present
needs,some have to decide between food and necessary meds.
TV may be their only entertainment,too.

I'm SURE they are not "snivellers" nor "pathetic losers".
OTOH,you sure sound like a fine piece of work.

The fact is that the elderly are the demographic group in the US that
has, on average, the highest level of income in excess of their basic needs.

You probably can't name any older people who are on fixed incomes. *But
if you really know anyone in that situation, why don't you give them the
$50?

I can name one whose income depends partly on the fluctuations of the
stock market,
and partly on the prevailing interest rates. How do you think she's
doing these days?
Her situation will be more common in the future with the demise of
defined-benefit
pensions.

Luckily, she is frugal and actually does have enough to meet her
needs. But she
in fact is living on less than $12,000 per year.

In article 7373be83-c151-4ab1-a127-54432689b706
@f40g2000pri.googlegroups.com, (Cindy
Hamilton) says...

He's not talking about people who are participating in this
discussion. He
is talking about elderly people, at home, wondering whether they can
pay to heat their homes and also pay for the medication they require
because their bodies are worn out from building the infrastructure
that
you enjoy so much.

Poor people don't get the luxuries that everyone else enjoys. If they
are that poor, they should be used to it. At the worst, they will only
have to do without TV for a couple of years, until used converter boxes
start showing up at Goodwill. Anyone who replaces their old set with a
new one won't need the converter box any more, so there will be a
constant stream of used boxes at thrift stores.

So, what do you want some 86-year-old retiree living on Social
Security
(because their job never paid enough to put anything by) to do? Full
contact karate?

I worked with those folks for over 25 years. They always had money for
beer. Before I turned 30, I quit spending my money on crap and started
saving, so I'm approaching retirement with no mortgage and a wad of
diversified investments.

I know people in their 50s who are still living paycheck to paycheck.
It's their choice. Nobody is doing that to them. If you can live on
your income, you can live on 90% of your income, and save the rest.

Do you even know anybody who's over 50?

Plenty of people. Stupidity is not reserved for the young.

If you think everybody has had unlimited choices, then you've really
got your head up your ass. Look around, why don't you?

Everybody has the same choices. I have brown bagged my lunch every day
for the last 35 years. I haven't bought a Christmas present in 20
years. It adds up.

Hell, I was the first person in my family to attend college, and I
think
my mother was the first to graduate from high school.

Good for you. I hope you are saving your money, instead of spending it
on worthless consumer crap. Take your own lunch. Never carry a balance
on your credit cards. Drive a car for 250,000 miles, and repair it
instead of buying a new one. Save 10% of your income every month. If
you make good choices now, you won't end up whining about how poor you
are when you retire.

--
For email, replace firstnamelastinitial
with my first name and last initial.

In article
,
Cindy Hamilton wrote:

On Jan 8, 11:58*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
*Jim Yanik wrote:



who said anything about whether they have a PC or not?

They're online, participating in a usenet discussion. Therefore, TV is
*not* their only form of entertainment.

He's not talking about people who are participating in this
discussion. He
is talking about elderly people, at home, wondering whether they can
pay to heat their homes and also pay for the medication they require
because their bodies are worn out from building the infrastructure
that
you enjoy so much.

I'm heartless because I think it's pathetic that someone would have
nothing whatever to do all day besides watch TV? I'd say that makes me
compassionate.

So, what do you want some 86-year-old retiree living on Social
Security
(because their job never paid enough to put anything by) to do? Full
contact karate?

Do you even know anybody who's over 50?

3. Anyone who has to choose between medicine and food should've taken
better care of their health and their money during the earlier years.

What a heartless soul you are. you make Scrooge look humane.

Nope. Just honest. I'm actually a bleeding heart liberal, but I don't
think I should be bailing out people who spent a lifetime making bad
choices.

If you think everybody has had unlimited choices, then you've really
got your head up your ass. Look around, why don't you?

Hell, I was the first person in my family to attend college, and I
think
my mother was the first to graduate from high school.

I didn't actually see your post until Larry replied to it, Cindy,
because you're a google grouper. But he did a fine job of expressing my
sentiments.

Don't tell me to whom Jim Y. is referring, because it was I who first
referred to them, and I was referring to usenet participant whiners.

What is so ****ing sacred about "elderly people?" If they mismanaged
their time and money and health their whole lives, of what concern is
their current plight to me?

"Bodies worn out from building the infrastructure that I enjoy?" Good
god, Cindy, are you a soap opera writer?

Yes, I know many people over 50. Starting with myself. I've never bought
a new car, a new TV, or a new stereo, and have only bought eight pieces
of new furniture in my entire life. (two beds, two sofas, two living
room chairs, two dining chairs. At $8500, my current car is the most
expensive to date. It had over 100k miles on it when I bought it, and is
very close to 200k now.)

I lost well over $100,000 in the stock market a few years ago, yet I now
own 2 1/2 investment houses, whose mortgages are being paid by tenants.

So as Larry says, it's about choices. My college history professor
clarified "equality" in the United States as "equality of opportunity."
Everyone can work two jobs while going to school, as I did, or they can
**** off and spend recklessly and fail to prepare for the future.

Now, your 86 year old retiree living on social security can do whatever
he or she wants to do, within the bounds of the lives they've spent a
lifetime building. If their job "never paid enough to put anything by"
then they should have gotten a better education and a better job.

Full contact karate is not the only alternative to television, so no
need to wax hyperbolic. Libraries are still free. So is walking in the
park. So is lawn bowling. Gardening is pretty cheap. Knitting is, too.

Oh, I've whitelisted you now. Let's tussle again soon.

"Larry Caldwell" wrote in message
Poor people don't get the luxuries that everyone else enjoys. If they
are that poor, they should be used to it. At the worst, they will only
have to do without TV for a couple of years, until used converter boxes


Read in the paper today that PE Obama is going to ask them to change the law
so it doesn't go into effect on Feb. 17th because of the coupon shortage,
and I'm betting they'll do just that.

Cheri

In article ,
"Cheri" wrote:

"Larry Caldwell" wrote in message
Poor people don't get the luxuries that everyone else enjoys. If they
are that poor, they should be used to it. At the worst, they will only
have to do without TV for a couple of years, until used converter boxes


Read in the paper today that PE Obama is going to ask them to change the law
so it doesn't go into effect on Feb. 17th because of the coupon shortage,
and I'm betting they'll do just that.

Cheri


"In a letter Thursday to key members of Congress, John Podesta,
co-chairman of Obama's presidential transition team, ... cited troubles
with the converter box coupon program as well as *inadequate efforts to
educate the public about the switch,* and the need to help elderly, poor
and rural Americans prepare for it."

Inadequate efforts to educate the public? Is he joking?

In article ,
Jimw wrote:

On Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:26:12 -0500, Ann wrote:

On Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:25:39 -0500, Ann wrote:

...
Just relating how the coupon thing works ... which I didn't know until
recently. If one is to believe www.dtv2009.gov a coupon ordered today
should be mailed on the 19th of this month. But apparently that's in
doubt.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program has reached its funding ceiling.
However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a
first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring
coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available. If
you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you will be
placed on a waiting list. ...


Consumers who have an analog TV and rely on a rooftop antenna or rabbit
ears to receive their programs are encouraged to take action to ensure at
least one TV in their home is prepared for the digital television
transition. You may:

* Purchase a TV converter box without a coupon;
* Buy a TV with a digital tuner, or;
* Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service."




In this case, it looks like some people WILL lose their tv signals in
February. This whole thing has been a joke. I got my coupons early
in the program. For the first two months no stores even had the
converters. I finally had to take a 1.5 hour drive (each way) to get
a converter about 2 days before the coupon expired. Now the stores
are loaded with the converters, and the coupons ran out. Leave it to
the government to screw things up.

I know a lot of people who don't understand the digital changeover.
Despite all the ads saying that if you have cable or receive your TV
signal from satellite, I know a lot of people who got the coupons and
bought boxes that don't need them.

Add to that the number of people, as some have mentioned in this thread,
are getting the coupons so they can sell them and make a couple of
bucks. There goes two big reasons that the money for the coupons ran
out.

YK