10:40 AM -- The U.S. government is working to help consumers migrate from analog to digital broadcast television by offering $40 coupons toward the purchase of a TV converter box. The boxes typically sell for $50 to $80 or more, negating the feds goal of enabling a “free” transition for consumers for the February 17, 2009, switchover date. (See DTV Coupon Clippers .)

Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is pitching an alternative with its “Get Ready" initiative. The idea: Forget the coupon and sign up for basic cable. (See Comcast Bows DTV Initiative and Free Cable! )

According to the MSO:

Sounds peachy, except the monthly price will kick up to about $15 a month for basic service after the one-year promotional period.

Will takers of this offer be outfitted with one of Comcast’s upcoming digital terminal adapters (DTAs)? (See DTAs on Parade and Comcast Doctoring Digital in Detroit .) Stay tuned.

— Michael Harris, Chief Analyst, Cable Digital News