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The Death of Analog TV

digital-to-analog TV converter box

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.

The End Is Near

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.

Big Changes Are Coming

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.

Choices are good

If you happen to be one of the 26 million, you will have a couple options.

  1. Funds permitting, you can opt to buy a newer TV that has a built-in digital tuner.
  2. You can purchase a digital-to-analog TV converter box

TV Converter Boxes

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.

Coupons. Get Your Coupons Heeere!

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.

Coupon Application

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.

Deals on LCD Flat Panel TVs

37 LCD 720p 67 msec TV 37 LCD 720p 67 msec TV 583.20
Sony BRAVIA KDL 52XBR4 52 LCD Television Sony BRAVIA KDL 52XBR4 52 LCD Television 2,500.00
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JVC 46 LT 4P300 1080P LCD TV Used JVC 46 LT 4P300 1080P LCD TV Used 600.00
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Samsung UN46C8000 46 LCD Television Samsung UN46C8000 46 LCD Television 1,999.99
BRAND NEW 46 SAMSUNG HDTV LN46C650 BEST LCD on Market BRAND NEW 46 SAMSUNG HDTV LN46C650 BEST LCD on Market 969.00
Panasonic TC P50G10 50 Plasma Television 1080P Panasonic TC P50G10 50 Plasma Television 1080P 540.00
Sony KDF E60A20 60 rear projection LCD TV Sony KDF E60A20 60 rear projection LCD TV 999.00
55 Widescreen 1080p LED 240Hz HDTV with Touch of 55 Widescreen 1080p LED 240Hz HDTV with Touch of 3,000.00
Vizio XVT553SV LED Vizio XVT553SV LED 2,149.00
Samsung LN46C750 46 LCD Television Samsung LN46C750 46 LCD Television 943.00
Samsung UN46B7000 46 LED Television Samsung UN46B7000 46 LED Television 999.99
55 inch LG LED LCD TV 55LE5400 1080P Flat Panel HDMI 55 inch LG LED LCD TV 55LE5400 1080P Flat Panel HDMI 1,899.79
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