Consumers can now buy a converter without having to spend their own money.
Dish Network has finally launched the much-anticipated $40 Digital TV converter box, model TR-40 CRA.

At that price, consumers can now buy a converter box with a $40 coupon provided by the federal government without having to spend their own money. Other companies have been selling converter boxes for around $50-70.

On February 17, 2009, all local broadcasters must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to watch television.

The federal government last January began accepting applications for $40 coupons for people to buy Digital TV converter boxes which will permit analog TVs to display the new digital signals. Americans are eligible for two coupons each.

Dish, which first announced it would offer a $40 converter last January, said it can be purchased nationwide at participating Dish Network retailers. (For more information, call 1-888-638-9912 )

"We made a commitment to sell a $40 coupon-eligible converter box – making it free when a government coupon is applied – and are delivering on that commitment with our entry-level TR-40 CRA,” said Tom Stingley, executive vice president of sales and distribution for DISH Network.

Dish says the TR-40 CRA includes a 'setup wizard,' an electronic programming guide with up to seven days of listings, parental control, program search and signal strength pop-up to help troubleshoot lost signals.