Time running out for DTV coupon program

Community organizations around the Twin Cities are urging families who have not yet applied for digital TV converter coupons to do so before time runs out.

The DTV Converter Box Coupon Program ends on July 31. Households who apply will receive a $40 government coupon toward the purchase of a converter box.

Organizers with the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund say while the recent transition to all digital television was largely a success for television viewers and broadcasters, some families have remained digitally disconnected.

They say that's because of problems with converter box installation, and challenges receiving local broadcasters' varying signal strengths.

To apply for a coupon, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.DTV2009.gov before July 31. The coupons are valid for 90 days and are transferrable.

Organizers are also asking families who've received coupons but will not use them to donate them to families still needing to make the purchase.

Unused coupons can be mailed to Twin Cities DTV Coupon Exchange Program, P.O. Box 50253, Minneapolis, MN 55405.