FCC seeks retailers' help in digital TV switch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal communications regulators are asking mass retailers to sell converter boxes, such as the one sold by EchoStar Corp, that allow consumers to convert analog television sets to digital ahead of the February deadline for a nationwide switch.

The U.S. Congress ordered the switch to digital television to free public airwaves for other uses, such as for police and fire departments. The switch, which will happen automatically on February 17 of next year, will also mean improved picture and sound for TV viewers.

The federal government is subsidizing the cost of buying a digital-analog converter box by offering the $40 discount coupons to anyone who owns an analog television.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin said EchoStar's $40 box is only available on websites and by telephone, adding up to $12 extra to the cost to consumers.

"Availability in retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears, Wal-Mart and Radio Shack will be helpful for consumers trying to ensure they don't lose television service," Martin wrote in a letter dated September 15 to the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition, which represents those companies in Washington.

Martin asked the group to ask its members to carry at least one converter box, which could be EchoStar's product, or any other for the $40 price.

An official at the electronics group was not immediately available for comment, nor was an Echostar spokeswoman.

A spokesman for Circuit City said the company sells a Zenith Electronic model box that retails for $59.99.

Separately, Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee wrote to the agency administering the coupon program about a potential funding shortfall.

The transition is being watched closely because owners of analog televisions will be unable to watch television unless they subscribe to satellite or digital cable, replace their TV with a digital television by that date, or get a converter box.

Surveys have indicated the U.S. public has grown more aware of the coming switch, but one survey found there is still some confusion about which TVs need converter boxes.

(Reporting by Kim Dixon in Washington with reporting by Karen Jacobs in Atlanta, Editing by Andre Grenon)