Thats crap- why should the government have to pay more money to send out more coupons because people can’t use them in three months?? Why do they have to mail them out anyways? Why can’t they just be downloaded off the internet, either at people’s homes or in stores?

Just another example of wasteful government spending. If people aren’t taking advantage of the program, its their problem

Postage is a wasteful way in doing business.

A person should produce a Social Security number at participating stores. The name is then noted as attachment to the SS number in a specialized database ONLINE. That persons “housewhold” is then activated on a register. The persons rights are PROTECTED and the storage is only used as a record of transaction for the purpose intended. After a time all this information is destroyed on expiry of the USA Federal Govt funded transition offer. 

It is a Social Security [Social Warefare] system afterall to maintain lifestyle for those ill affording a digital transition box.

why?
is it the governments duty to make sure i can watch tv.

p.s. where is my gas coupon?

I’m not one for government intervention in ANYTHING, but let’s remember that it was the government that took analog away from us in the first place.

The whole coupon thing is just silly.

What a waste of my tax money!
If people are too stupid not to redeem a coupon within 90 days then it’s on them.
Let them buy a converter box with their economic stimulus check.

I don’t get why there needs to be any subsidizing at all.  Are there really that many people out there who can’t pay for a cable box rental?

1.5 billion dollars!?!?!?  Are you kidding me!?!?!

If you can’t afford it, stop watching TV and go out and get a better job!

WOW… These comments before are complete retarded.

1.5 billion is like a minute in Iraq. I rather have the government “waste” money on subsidizing this because it help promotes spending. That 1.5 billion will keep the USPS up, prob will soon be able to hire more ppl.

The idea of flaunting your SS is inane. Do you know how much of a hassle it is to get another SS? It takes a lot time and effort.

If would have been nice if they didn’t have obscene prices on the converter box. ie $80-90 wtf… Really im gonna play the $40 difference so that a 10+ year old TV can get picture..

it does not cost that much to make it anyways…

In my area i only have one cable company be that they bought out adelphia. Most cable companys have horrible customer service. I don’t want any or my money going to them, being that they have given me numerous dropped connections etc.

@ChrisRichwine, “get a better job” how about the corporations stop using tax loopholes and stop them from outsourcing every little thing?

In my area the converter boxes are partially nonexistent. I got 1 of them, and most of the cheaper ones are out of stock.