
Soon. Very soon, analog TV will be a thing of the past. It will become just another story parents will tell their children -- like walking to school through three feet of snow, uphill, both ways.
On February 17, 2009, broadcast TV stations will forever turn off their analog signals and start transmitting only in digital. For many, this will be a welcome change. A chance to finally watch all TV programming in full digital glory. And hopefully, they will also be in 1080i Hi-Def.
Not since the advent of color has there been such a huge change in broadcast TV. And there's a good reason why this change has been planned.
But for as many as 26 million American households, turning off the analog signal will also mean no longer being able to watch TV on their older, analog TV sets that can only receive over-the-air signals.
If you happen to be one of the 26 million, you will have a couple options.
Converter boxes are expected to cost between $59.95 to $69.95 and a list of retailers expected to start stocking them in February is available for download in PDF format.
The good news is that starting today (Jan. 1, 2008), the federal government is accepting applications for coupons worth $40 off a no-frills converter box.
Every household is eligible for two coupons and the government is allocating $1.34 billion in coupons. That's a lot of coupons.
Even if you do have a TV with a digital tuner or subscribe to cable or satellite TV services (which don't require a converter), having a digital-to-analog TV converter box would be a good thing to have during emergencies or power outages.
Personally, even though I just got a sweet 50" Plasma TV as a great Christmas gift, I've opted to apply for a coupon.
You can also apply by;
Phone: (888)-DTV-2009
Or via mail:
TV Converter Box Coupon Program
P.O. Box 2000
Portland, OR 97208-2000
Article of interest: Ten Things You Need to Know About HDTV
If you're interested in upgrading a nice LCD or Plasma TV, here are some current great deals on eBay.
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Vizio 42 VL420M VL420 1080p 120Hz HDTV LCD w USB Port | 520.00 |
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Vizio 42 SV421XVT1A SV421XVT 1080p 240Hz HDTV LCD | 563.03 |
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Vizio 47 SV470XVT1A Full 1080p 120Hz HDTV LCD w Tuner | 660.00 |
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42 JVC 1080p LCD HDTV w iPod TeleDock NEW | 637.00 |
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SONY KDL 52VL150 BRAVIA 52 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV | 800.00 |
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Samsung 40 in Model LN40B650 | 650.00 |
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Samsung LNT4071F 40 inch HDTV 1080P LCD TV | 1,024.00 |
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Vizio 42 SV421XVT1A SV421XVT 1080p 240Hz HDTV LCD | 531.00 |
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SAMSUNG LN40B630 40” 1080p 120Hz SERIES 6 LCD HDTV | 758.75 |
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Vizio 47 SV470XVT1A Full 1080p 120Hz HDTV LCD w Tuner | 646.00 |
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Samsung LN46A850 46 inch HDTV 1080P LCD TV | 610.00 |
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BRAND NEW SAMSUNG LN46B650 46 INCH 1080P 120Hz LCD HDTV | 1,199.00 |
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Vizio 42 SV421XVT1A SV421XVT 1080p 240Hz HDTV LCD | 531.00 |
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Vizio 47 SV470XVT1A Full 1080p 120Hz HDTV LCD w Tuner | 610.00 |
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50 Plasma 20000001 1080P | 1,345.00 |
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