WASHINGTON-The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced that eight of the largest consumer electronics retailers -- Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target, Wal-Mart -- have been certified to participate in the TV Converter Box Coupon Program along with more than 100 other retailers, representing more than 14,000 stores throughout the nation, and additional Program details.

Consumers may purchase converter boxes to keep their analog televisions working with over-the-air broadcasts after February 17, 2009, when full power television stations convert to all-digital signals. "NTIA thanks these certified retailers who will participate in the TV Converter Box Coupon Program and we look forward to working with them in 2008 and 2009," said Acting NTIA Administrator Meredith Attwell Baker.

"The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is on schedule and will be ready to take consumers' coupon requests starting January 1, 2008, as directed by Congress, to ensure the success of the nation's transition to digital broadcasting." Additional TV Converter Box Coupon Program updates include: Consumer-friendly name and logo tested nationwide by targeted audiences (see attachment); Converters by DigitalSTREAM, Zenith, Magnavox, and Philco have been certified for purchase with coupons and more are expected in the next several weeks;

The program name, "TV Converter Box Coupon Program," and consumer-tested brand will help television viewers know that this is an official Government program; A simple one-page application only requesting name, address, one or two coupons and if the household subscribes to cable, satellite, pay TV service. Coupons planned for distribution to consumers beginning February 17, 2008.