'Free' DTV converter boxes can't be returned?

If you buy GE's lackluster DTV converter box, are you stuck with it?

(Credit: CNET)

We finally got one of our government-issued DTV converter box coupons in the mail, and one of the notices on the accompanying information sheet caught our eye:

IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING REFUNDS: You will not be able to receive cash or credit for the coupon amount, but you can receive cash or credit for any amount you paid out of pocket, if the store policy permits.

To be honest, that's not much of a surprise when you consider how the coupon program actually works. If consumers were able to get credit or cash for returned DTV converter boxes, unscrupulous buyers could return a DTV converter box then use the credit to purchase any piece of electronics they wanted--which is definitely not the spirit of the coupon program.

But what happens if you get your DTV converter box back and it's broken? While you might think that note means that DTV converter boxes can't be returned, that's not the case. From the government's DTV converter box FAQ:

Can I exchange my TV converter box for another one?
If the retail store permits exchanges, you can exchange the converter you purchased for another coupon-eligible converter box.

So if you get a defective DTV converter box--or even if you don't like the one you bought--you can take it back for another one, depending on the store's return policy. Of course, the best option to make sure you get a good box the first time, and we've already done a comparison of a few DTV converter boxes on the market. And if you're willing to geek out a little bit, you can also check out Wikipedia's giant chart of converter box info (normal caveats about Wikipedia apply).

More DTV transition resources
CNET's Quick guide to the DTV transition
Don't buy a portable TV this year
Don't sign up for your $40 DTV converter box coupon--yet
DTV Coupon Program

[isykal]

Thanks for pointing out the obvious.

[James Anderson Merritt]

The only reason this "transition" is happening is government edict, in order to facilitate Uncle Sam's auction for the right to use the vacated spectrum space. Who knows when the free market (i.e., paying customers, seeing a value-for-money proposition in their own eyes) would have instigated a transition, if ever? Over-the-air delivery of traditional broadcast fare via special broadcasting transmission standards is becoming increasingly irrelevant -- a better use of spectrum is to create an ultra-fast, ubiquitous wireless internet, by which all manner of content can be delivered immediately to a variety of devices, on demand. But the NAB and Cable Industry lobbies are too big on the one hand, and government gets too much value out of "regulating" broadcasters (controlling the electronic press, in direct contravention of the US Constitution's First Amendment) on the other hand. So the result is that the crooked partnership continues, where the fox and the wolf get to guard the hen-house together, acting as "trustees" in the poultry's "public interest."

Yeah, right. If you put THAT reality show on TV, it would be canceled after a single episode, just like "Secret Talents of the Stars."

[Eastwood]

I cannot thank you enough for the great work you guys do for us consumers!! CNET should be a required viewing site for any family entertaining the purchase of a new product. The transition of TV from analog to digital is confusing to a lot of people, with some I know thinking they are going to get HD from the converter box. Regrettably, I jumped for the coupons as soon as they were available. At least I chose and am happy with the Walmart carried Magnavox unit that sells at $49.00.

[aqw8326]

You should also add to this, that you have to pay sales tax on the whole amount, not just the amount of cash you are paying above the coupon.
I paid tax on $100. when I bought 2 boxes with my coupon, much to my dismay.

[ebockman]

I heard that if you have a Digital Recorder, you can get your new signal through this! Is this true and how do your hook it up to your TV? My Recorder says: Digital/Analog in the Spect Sheet.l

Thanks,
Eleanor

[khrljr]

If you get a DVD recorder or DVR with an ATSC tuner, it will replace the need for a converter box. http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Digital_Recorders.html

[3rdalbum]

@ebockman: Switch your recorder onto digital mode, and plug the AV output into the AV input on your TV. Put your TV onto AV 1. Change channels with the recorder's remote.

[ebockman]

Thanks guys for all your wonderful help to me and so many other people!

Appreciate it very much,
Eleanor

[john55440]

I really like my Zenith-LG DTT900 box; a better picture and more channels.

http://www.zenith.com/dtv/dtt900.html

[ebockman]

When they put your coupons in the mail for the converter box, you have 3 months to use them or they expire, and I don't think you can apply again!

https://www.dtv2009.gov/RecentUpdates.aspx Scroll down to Mailing Schedule. Thanks again, Eleanor