Weiner Helps Brooklyn Residents Switch to Digital Television

Rep. Weiner shows how to prepare for the switch to digital television. Nearly 100,000 Brooklyn households that will need converter boxes in order to access basic television late next winter, including emergency government announcements, must still make the switch, Representative Anthony Weiner (D- Brooklyn/Queens), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said last week.

Weiner added that many New Yorkers do not realize that government-issued coupons to subsidize the purchase of the converter boxes expire 90 days after being issued. Constituents looking to use the coupons for which they applied for and received to purchase the new technology were being shut out. The congressman also pointed out that the coupons are transferable, so people can ask friends and family to apply for new coupons if old ones expired.

Households will need converter boxes, to replace rabbit ear antennas, beginning February 18, 2009, in order to view digital transmissions, including emergency government announcements, on analog televisions.

Weiner said more than 320,000 New York City households needed converter boxes when the transition was announced a year ago. Today, 99,024 NYC households — approximately 30 percent — still need converter boxes.

While Congress authorized funding a coupon program to help Americans cover the cost of purchasing the converter boxes, many seniors and low-income people — two of the most vulnerable populations during emergencies — may still face problems accessing coupons and installing the new technology, especially since Weiner learned that many New Yorkers are not aware that the coupons expire 90-days after being issued. The digital converters cost from $45- $75. Each coupon is worth a $40 discount per box.

Weiner said, "A major change is coming to the way we provide New Yorkers with emergency information, and we want everyone to be prepared. New Yorkers need to know that coupons to cover to cost of this change are available and accessible."

Weiner added that New Yorkers having trouble could access information about how to switch at www.weiner.house.gov, receive coupon applications at his Brooklyn or Queens district offices, or call 1-718-520-9001 for more information or help.