Are you ready for the U.S. conversion to digital television, scheduled for February 17, 2009? At that point, terrestrial analog television broadcasts will go dark, meaning folks who rely on pulling in the television programming over the air will either need to get cable or satellite service, buy a digital TV, or get used to watchings a lot of static.
Of course, alternatively, these folks culd buy a digital television converter for their existing analog television sets. This option can be especially appealing since the government is offering $40 coupons good towards the purchase of converter boxes, making the transition relatively inexpensive for folks looking to hang onto their analog sets. And leading electronics retailer Best Buy wants folks to know they have converter boxes in stock, and are honoring DTV converter box coupons from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
"The DTV transition is an event that is unprecedented in this country, and it will require a coordinated effort by broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers, and the government," said Best Buy’s senior VP of electronics Mike Vitelli, in a statement. "We take our role as a trusted source of information very seriously. We are committed to do whatever we can to help customers find a solution that meets their specific needs."
Best Buy has launched a dedicated hotline—877-BBY-DTV9—where consumers can speak with a home theater specialist about the transition to DTV and their options for the switch. Of course, one might expect Best Buy to encourage users to purchase a new digital TV—and a big one at that—but the company will also take orders for converter boxes (and redeem coupons) over this hotline if customers are unable to get to stores.
DTV converters are currently retailing for about $60; with the government coupon, that puts the out-of-pocket expense for many consumers around $20. Minus the confusion and hassle of learning about digital TV, finding a converter, setting it up, and making everything work with your existing systems.
The Consumer Electronics Association seems to think the public is generally well-informed about the pending DTV transition, saying awareness of the transition is up 80 percent since 2006. They just don’t say up 80 percent from what, though: if five percent of the U.S. population knew about the transition in 2006 and nine percent know about it now, the CEA could claim an 80 percent improvement in awareness. According to the CEA, consumers are getting their information about the transition mainly from television (72 percent), with family and friends (39 percent) and the Internet (26 percent) running far behind.
