Geek Squad DTV Conversion Assistance Available Through June 30, 2009

Geek Squad DTV Conversion Assistance Available Through June 30, 2009

NEW YORK, June 18 /PRNewswire/ --
NEWS: Geek Squad DTV Conversion Assistance Available Through June 30, 2009

STORY SUMMARY:

WHAT: While the transition to DTV happened nearly a week ago, some people were caught unprepared, as evidenced by a large number of service calls received since the June 12 conversion. Recognizing that civilians are still in need after roughly three weeks of aggressive support, Geek Squad will continue free converter box-installation service.

Free of charge to the household, Geek Squad Agents and Home Theatre Installers will continue to connect up to two of a household's DTV converter boxes to existing broadcast antennas and analog TVs through Tuesday, June 30.

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; and
-- Provide guidance on the operation of the converter box

WHY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) reports that civilians applied for nearly 400,000 converter box coupons after the June 12 switch.

Geek Squad knows these at-risk civilians may need in-home DTV assistance and Best Buy stores nationwide are equipped with supplies of coupon-eligible converter boxes.

Unsure if your household needs a converter box? Check out more information at dtv.gov or bestbuy.com/dtv.

WHEN/ WHERE: Customers in the following 31 states can contact Geek Squad today 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 in-home DTV assistance, 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 within a Best Buy store service area who already have a converter box (purchased from any retailer) and are having trouble installing the box and receiving a signal, can request free in-home DTV assistance 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.

INTERVIEWS: Local Geek Squad Installers are available for a ride along and in-studio interviews. He/she can provide additional tips and information surrounding the DTV switch.

Source: Geek Squad

CONTACT: Allison Matthews of Ketchum for Geek Squad, +1-646-935-3999,
allison.matthews@ketchum.com

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