Analog Television Welfare Program: transition from old-style analog broadcasting to digital leaves low-tech viewers out in the technology-cold, albeit with a $40 government check

Starting Feb. 18, 2009, anyone who does not own a digital television set and still gets their programming via over-the-air antennas will no longer receive a picture.

To compensate these low-tech viewers, the U.S. government is issuing $40 coupons towards buying special converter boxes to turn older TV's into digital receivers.

Television welfare checks?

The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 and will be available at most major electronics retail stores. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will accept applications for two $40 coupons per household to be used toward the purchase of the boxes.

Congress set aside $1.5 billion for the coupon program, which will fund 33.5 million coupons and other costs.

You can apply online or via phone. No word from the agency as to whether you'd need a high-speed connection to apply over the Internet, or if you'd need a touch-tone phone to apply via phone--these are low-tech folks after all guys!

Viewers who have satellite or cable service need not apply.

The Nielsen Co. estimates that 14.3 million households, or about 13 percent of the 112.8 million total television households in the nation, rely on over-the-air television broadcasts for programming.

Source: AP/Yahoo! News