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The countdown has begun toward the Feb. 17, 2009 date when consumers will need a converter box, cable or digital TV to receive even basic TV programming. Converter boxes at $49.97 are on shelves now at Wal-Mart already and a $40 government coupon, offered at two per household by calling 1-888-DTV-2009, makes them an affordable $10. (PRNewsFoto/Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.)
BENTONVILLE, AR UNITED STATES
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WALMART.COM Corp Logo. (PRNewsFoto/WALMART.COM)
BRISBANE, CA UNITED STATES
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BENTONVILLE, Ark., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- One week before
U.S. households receive the first of thousands of $40 digital converter box
coupons, Wal-Mart is stocked and ready with these small converter box units
designed to keep home analog TVs receiving a digital signal. Today 3,400
Wal- Mart stores carry a new Magnavox digital converter box, with a retail
price of $49.87.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080211/LAM049)
The Nielsen Company estimates that 13 million households (12 percent)
will be impacted by the switch to digital broadcast, so the nation's
largest retailer has made specific plans to help customers from all cities
and towns make an informed decision.
"Due to our many locations, we expect the majority of customers will
come to us for making their digital transition plan, both for convenience
and price," said Gary Severson, senior vice president of Home
Entertainment, Wal-Mart Stores, U.S. "We've prepared for many months to
ensure the coupon process will go smoothly, and will work with suppliers to
continue to have available, affordable options in our stores for all
customers."
In addition to close counsel and preparations with the NTIA (National
Telecomunications and Information Association), Wal-Mart developed
additional training for its associates and created a new platform for
registers, so the $40 coupon card will work as easily as a gift card.
Wal-Mart now has the following digital television transition options
available today in it stores:
-- Purchase a digital converter box for $49.87 (with coupon, $9.87*)
Digital converter boxes receive over-the-air digital TV broadcasts for
viewing on TVs that do not have built-in digital tuners. Those looking
to keep watching on their current analog TV sets must purchase a
digital converter box. Wal-Mart stores nationwide will offer a
Magnavox unit and add a new brand in the coming months.
-- Sign up for cable or satellite service, right in the store
Customers can sign up for cable or satellite service at Wal-Mart
stores for their current home TV or with the purchase of a new TV
through in-store "kiosks" with the help of a Wal-Mart associate.
Shoppers are able to view local service provider packages, with next
day service available in most locations.
-- Purchase a digital or HDTV television
Wal-Mart carries more than 40 types of digital TV and HDTVs across its
stores, from $150 to $2,100* if customers choose to replace their TV.
Over the last year, Wal-Mart has continued to increase its assortments
and carries brands as well as training and in-store communication
about digital TV selection and options.
Consumers can apply for digital converter box coupons online at
http://www.dtv2009.gov, or via phone at 1-888-DTV-2009. Additional
information is also available on http://www.walmart.com.
Journalist Note:
Downloadable B-roll footage and photography of converter boxes in Wal-Mart
stores, customers and $40 coupon available at
http://video.walmartstores.com/video/?id=959
*Prices may vary with tax. Converter boxes available while supplies
last.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters,
Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to
its online store at http://www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation
are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT)
is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and
associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than
$270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more,
visit http://www.walmartfacts.com, http://www.walmartstores.com, or
http://www.walmartfoundation.org.
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