Converter box quality is better than my cable!!

I just went to Gridlink in Pasadena, CA to bought another 2 GLT-200 for my parents, their price has raised to $45.99 compare to when I made my first order in May but still is lower than Best Buy. GLT-200 is exactly the same as Sansonic and Lasonic which sold elsewhere for about $54.99 and it does not provide analog pass-through capability but actually that might not needed for some TV. What I setup for myself and my parents (we all have cable TV) is leave the original coaxial cable from cable un-touch and use a composite cable with L,R audio cable connect (those red, white, yellow cable) to the extra video-in provided from most TV set and when watching cable program, I just use channel 3 as usual and when I need to watch the DTV program, I switch to Video-1 from my TV remote. During Olympic period, I usually set my TV as picture-in-picture and switch them back and forth. I have to admit that the digital broadcast signal is far better than my cable quality. By the way, Gridlink they are offering free shipping for their combo set order at this time ($59.95 for converter box plus an active antenna), even I did not benefit for it but that might come thru for someone.

Finally I received the 2 coupons I applied in April, I found a place where you can redeem the coupon and get the converter box for free. Here is the website address: www.egridlink.com.
They are selling $40 for one coupon box which equal the value of coupon government issues, there is a $2.99 handling fee plus shipping applied, but after I compared numerous retailers, they are still the lowest after handling and shipping. I already placed my order and hopefully to receive my converter in the next few days.

Some Updates

A vendor already announced that their converter box will be sold for $39.99 at this year's CES show but i just read the news that according to TWICE, the critter won't be shipping out until June or July of this year, which could mean that early appliers to coupons will miss out. If you'll recall, those $40 government-issued vouchers have to be redeemed within 90 days of receiving them, and moreover, it seems as if the firm is still deciding what brand name(s) it'll use to market the device.

How can I redeem my coupon?

Attention!!! There IS an expiration date on coupons, all coupons subject to be redeemed within 90 days upon issued, do not forget!!!

You can redeem your coupon at most major retail stores like Best Buy ($69.99) or Wal-Mart ($59.99), you will need to pay the difference for the box, if you receive two coupon, you are not allow to use both of them to exchange for one without paying anything out of your pocket.

If you don't feel like to wait and willing to pay the difference out of your own pocket, you can have your coupons redeem from those retailers. Personally, I believe just like every new product, the price will drop few months from now, if you wait another few months, who knows, it might save you $10 to $15, maybe someone will even offer free redemption (since the fund is provided by our government). I say let's wait!!

What should I do in order to get a digital TV converter box?

You can apply for free coupons from the federal government, each household is entitled to apply 2 vouchers ($ 40 value each) for the converter boxes.

Federal government provides limited coupons when supply is lasted.

Apply on-line:

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

Download application form:

https://www.dtv2009.gov/docs/Coupon_Program_App_en.pdf

What is a digital TV converter box?

A digital TV converter box will convert the digital signal broadcast over the air to the tradition analog signal and feed in to your traditional TV or a TV without a HDTV turner. It usually includes the following features:

•Over-The-Air Terrestrial 8VSB
•Demodulation
•Dolby Digital AC-3 Decoding
•EPG (Electronic Program Guide)
•V-Chip Lock (Parental Controls)
•Close Captioning
•Aspect Ratio 16:9 / 4:3
•Picture Frame Freeze
•Sleep Mode for Power Saving
•Multi-Language Support
•Compact and Stylish Design
•Full Operation by Remote Control ATSC
•Input Terminal: 75 Ohm Female F Connector
•Receiving Frequency: 57 ~ 861 MHz, Channel 2-69
•Bandwidth: 6 MHZ Demodulator 8VSB Video
•Video Decoder: MPEG-2
•Aspect Ratio: 16:9 or 4:3
•Input Format: Supports 1080p/1080i/720p/480p/480i
•Video Output: Composite (RCA) out
Audio
•Audio Decoder: Dolby AC-3 2 Channels, •MPEG Audio

What are my options?

Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:

1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or

3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.