 
|
Posts with tag: analog-tvs | Return to ShoppingBlog.com Homepage
Converter For Analog TVs Will Be Hot Gadget in 2008
On February 17, 2009 television will go all digital. People receiving analog television signals - "over the air" signals via an antenna - will no longer receive television broadcasts unless they buy a converter box that will be made available in 2008. People with cable or satellite tv don't need to worry. There are estimated to still be about 19 million American households that rely on analog broadcasts.
The National Association of Broadcasters is worried that consumers are not well informed about the upcoming change. They may own an iPod but still have no clue that their TV will stop working in 2009. There is a campaign to educate the public about the switch. There will also be digital-to-analog converter boxes available that cost about $60 that will enable people with analog TV sets to receive digital signals. According to a Chicago Tribune article the government will also be offering coupons to households that need a converter box.
Here are a few things the NAB wants you to know: Converter boxes that will enable your old TV set to keep working will be available in consumer electronics stores early next year and probably cost about $60. You can apply for a coupon from the government that is worth $40 off the price of each converter box.
Each household may get two coupons. Details on how to get those coupons are being worked out.
You also can scrap your old TV and buy a new one that gets digital signals, although there is no subsidy for that.
Something to keep in mind if you're shopping for a TV, Ingram said, is that some sets in stores are able to receive digital signals as well as analog, but others cannot.
Consumers will be also be able to visit the Digital Television Transition Coalition's website. Their goal is to ensure that "no consumer is left without broadcast television due to a lack of information about the transition." When the information about the digital converter boxes and coupons becomes available this website will have the details.
Another option for the nineteen million people still using TV sets with rabbit ears is to subscribe to a digital or satellite service or purchase a new tv set that has a built-in digital tuner. Unfortunately, the government is not going to give you a coupon for your new TV purchase.
Posted on September 23, 2007
Permalink | Subscribe | | | Comments (View)
| |
|
| The Writers Write Lifestyle Network
|
Sales & Coupons
|
ShoppersShop.com's Sales & Deals section includes coupons,
sales and free shipping offers.
| |
Search ShoppingBlog.com
|
