CompUSA Helps Save Dollars on Digital Broadcasting.

Customers Who Rely on Analog TV Antennas Can Convert to Digital for Less

MIAMI -- You don't need much in your wallet to avoid staring at a blank TV screen come February. CompUSA is helping to cut customers' costs as the U.S. makes the switch to Digital broadcasting from analog TV.

The company, which operates 17 stores in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico, is selling converter boxes for $40.01 through Thanksgiving, a penny more than government coupons defraying the cost of eligible converters. That means customers at CompUSA retail stores only pay 1 cent when they use the government coupons. Most competitors' converters are priced at $59.99.

At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009 - just 112 days away - the United States will convert to full digital broadcasting. Analog televisions that rely on antennas or rabbit ears will no longer work unless they're equipped with converter boxes. The federal government is cutting some of the cost for consumers who need to buy eligible converter boxes, providing two $40 coupons for each household.

"We want to make this as painless as possible for our customers. We don't want it to affect their bank accounts, especially in such a tough economy. It's a way for us to give back to the community," said Gilbert Fiorentino, Chief Executive of Systemax Inc. Technology Products business, which includes CompUSA.

To apply for government coupons, go to http://www.compusa.com/go/dtv2009 or call 1-888-DTV-2009.

Full-power TV stations are switching to 100 percent digital broadcasting to free airwaves for emergency use as well as provide a clearer picture and more programming options, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, part of the Department of Commerce.

Those who want to use analog TV after February will require a converter. But TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV services don't need converters. Nor do TVs with digital tuners, the NTIA web site says.

About CompUSA

The CompUSA companies (www.compusa.com) serve the needs of both personal and business computer users, selling consumer electronics, computers, digital media technology and peripherals via retail stores, catalogs and Internet channels. The CompUSA companies are subsidiaries of Systemax Inc. (NYSE:SYX).

About Systemax Inc.

Systemax Inc. (http://www.systemax.com), a Fortune 1000 company, sells personal computers, computer supplies, consumer electronics and industrial products through a system of branded ecommerce web sites, direct mail catalogs, relationship marketers and retail stores in North America and Europe. It also manufacturers and sells personal computers under the Systemax and Ultra brands and develops and markets ProfitCenter Software, a web-based, on-demand application for multi-channel direct marketing companies.