Buzzillions Blogs

While it seems a bit archaic that there are people still using analog television (and with them the temperamental rabbit ear antenea) there are a good number of people, especially in bad economic times, having a hard time facing the switch. According to Neilsen, 6.5 million U.S. households, or 5.7 percent, still need to make the switch.  Those people are, according to an article by CNN,  “..poor, older than 55, rural residents or racial minorities.”  With the economy still spiral diving,  some in this demographic simply can’t afford (or don’t want to spend the money) on cable or satellite TV service.   While people can get a coupon for a converter box, redemption is a little trickier, with expiration dates, and confusion about where to redeem the coupon slowing the switch.  Lawmakers had originally scheduled the switch for this month; that has since been pushed back to June 12th.  After this date, analog TV signals will end, and with it the ability to get the new broadcast format.

A recent MSN article states: “Some of the problem has to do with misconceptions about digital TV itself:  “About 25 percent believe that every television, whether it’s digital or not, whether it’s hooked up to cable or not, has to have a converter box.   And 21 percent believe everyone needs to sign up for cable or satellite service in order to keep a picture on their television sets.  Consumers remain extremely confused.”

The Facts:

• TVs do not have to be digital, but they DO need to be able receive digital broadcasts.
• The switch will happen June 12th
• Government coupons are available to offset the cost
• Converter boxes are available for purchase online – and you may also use your coupon.  I could not find any listings of stores one could take the coupon to in order to make a purchase.  I did find one mention of Best Buy taking the coupons in their retails stores, but call first to verify.

Choices include:

• buying a converter box to take a TV’s signal from analog to digital, and using an antenna as well
• subscribing to a cable or satellite service
• buying a digital TV (shameless self promotion plug – we’ve got a ton of top rated TVs in all kinds of price ranges)
• going without TV entirely (a strange concept, I know – but maybe you’ll become more productive than the rest of us TV watchers)

For myself, I’m wondering what will become of all those rabbit ears?