New York State Consumer Protection Board Advises Hispanics To Prepare For The Digital Transition And Avoid Confusion And Fraud

	For Immediate Release: June 26, 2008
Public Information Contact: Deborah Sturm Rausch 518.473.9472\|	Hispanic Media Contact: Edison Alban 212.459.8853

New York State Consumer Protection Board Advises Hispanics To Prepare For The Digital Transition And Avoid Confusion And Fraud

Noting the findings of a new survey conducted by Nielsen Media Research revealing that Hispanics are among the group of citizens who are least informed and prepared for the transition to digital television, the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is advising the community to request their discount coupons from the federal government to subsidize the purchase of a converter box and obtain information about the transition to prevent falling victim to possible scams.

“Although many are informed on the subject of digital transition, there are still people who are unaware of the opportunity for assistance and who have not yet requested the available discount coupons. We want the Hispanic community to be prepared so that they can continue to enjoy their favorite programs such as the nightly news, soap operas and sports,” said CPB’s Chairperson and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein.

The transition from analogue to digital television will take place within the next eight months and many of the older television sets that are not connected to cable or satellite service will not work after February 17, 2009. The purchase of a new television set is not required but consumers will need to purchase a digital converter box for analogue television sets in order for them to continue receiving signals.

Request your discount coupons today by calling 1888-388-2009 or by Internet at www.dtv2009.gov . Due to the high demand, it could take up to 12 weeks for delivery. The coupons have a $40 value towards the purchase of a digital converter box. Each household will be eligible to receive 2 coupons valid for 90 days. The coupons will only be valid for the purchase of converter boxes.
The converter boxes can be purchased at different electronic stores. The stores will set their own prices which will range from $50 to $70. Consumers will only be responsible for paying the difference between the coupon value and the price of the converter box plus taxes. Before purchasing a converter box, the public should compare prices and make sure they are being charged accordingly. In addition to the coupons, consumers will receive from the federal government a list of stores, in their vicinity, participating in the coupon program.
Make sure you are dealing with a reputable store and obtain a receipt in case you experience problems with your converter box.
Television sets will still need an antenna to receive a signal. While stores might offer to sell a new antenna to complement the converter box, in most cases the existing antenna will be operational; the purchase of a new one is unnecessary.
The converter boxes must be sold individually and not part of a package. For example, the purchase of other electronic products is not necessary in order to obtain the converter box.
Once a converter box is purchased, it is possible for consumers to install it themselves by following the attached instructions. A technician is not required for installation.

For further information concerning the conversion to digital television and other issues, consumers can access CPB’s website at: www.nysconsumer.gov

The NYS CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State's top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB's core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the “Do Not Call” law; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies.

To file a consumer complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB), call our toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220 or visit CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov. In addition to the online complaint form, the website is home to important consumer safety information. To join the CPB’s Do Not Call Reminder list, send an e-mail to CPB's Do Not Call Reminder list