FCC asks Best Buy’s ‘Geek Squad’ to install converter boxes
Geek Squad Provides Free DTV Converter Box Installation to Unconverted Households in 31 States
WHAT: The FCC has called upon the men and women of Geek Squad to insure that civilians are fully prepared for the June 12, 2009 DTV switch. The goal of the rapid response task force is for no one to see snow (aka static) on June 12 free of charge to the household, Geek Squad Home Theatre Installers will connect up to two of a household’s DTV converter boxes to existing broadcast antennas and analog TVs. In addition to the installation, Geek Squad Installers will:
- adjust existing antennas
- scan and rescan converter boxes to locate the maximum digital broadcast channels available
- integrate an existing VCR
- provide guidance on the operation of the converter box
WHY: Approximately 3.3 million households nationwide are unprepared for the switch. The FCC needed backup and they knew who to call: Geek Squad. With technicians nationwide, Geek Squad is up for the task. Geek Squad has built a reputation of helping citizens navigate the digital world and they are honored to help.
Unsure if your household needs a converter box? Check out more information at www.dtv.gov or www.bestbuy.com/dtv.
WHEN: Customers in the following 31 states can contact Geek Squad beginning today, Wednesday, May 27, through Tuesday, June 30, 2009:
- Pacific: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
- West Central: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming
- Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
To request free converter box installation, qualified citizens may call the DTV conversion hotline at 877-BBY-DTV9 (877-229-3889) 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. CST daily.
WHO: In these states, citizens who are unable to install the converter box they’ve purchased and who are within a Best Buy store service area can request free installation from Geek Squad. With this program, the FCC is especially focused on reaching “at risk” households – low-income consumers, minority communities, non-English speaking consumers, senior citizens, consumers living in rural areas or on tribal lands, and consumers with disabilities.
Tags: DTV Converter Box help, New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters
