What Consumers Need to Do Before the Digital Switch on February 17, 2009

Since the 1990’s, Congress determined that broadcast stations must transition from analog television broadcasting to digital television broadcasting. Converting to DTV will free up broadcasting bands that will be used for public safety and emergency services. New wireless services, such as broadband will also be able to utilize these freed up airwaves. Consumers will also benefit from this transition, because digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality.
Does this mean you need to run out and purchase a new TV in the near future? Let’s first look at what type of television you currently have. Every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional "analog" television. If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, there is a chance it has a built-in digital tuner inside. Before 2004, only a small percentage of projection TV sets included digital tuners.
If you currently receive programming over the air via a roof-top or rabbit ears antenna, you will either have to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box, or purchase a new TV equipped with a DTV tuner. If you plan on purchasing a converter box, you can call the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at 1-888-DTV-2009 to request up to two $40 coupons per household that can be used toward your purchase. Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing.

Television sets connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service will not require a converter box. Be sure to check with your cable or satellite provider before February 17, 2009 to inquire about how they are handling the switch. After February 17, 2009, all analog televisions that have not been upgraded to accept the digital signal will be unable to receive over-the-air-television.

Now that you have a better understanding about the up-coming signal change, do you still feel the need to upgrade your current television? Well so do I, but spending a lot of money on your quest could be avoided by following these few simple steps:

1. Do your homework – Once you have decided what size, brand, and technology (LCD, Plasma, or DLP) you would like, make sure you search the internet for product reviews. There are literally hundreds of websites that are built by professional product testers who inform you how your product stands up against the competition. A simple search by make and model number could save you future disappointment, and possibly hundreds of dollars in future repairs.
2. Bargain Shop – Black Friday, or the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Due to the slowing economy, soft real estate market, and growing unemployment, some experts are predicting a slow holiday shopping season. In order to meet sales quotas, retail stores are forced to slash prices in order to lure shoppers away from the competition, potentially starting a price war among retailers. This prediction means great news for consumers looking to find a rock bottom price on a new HDTV.
3. Available Space – Getting a great deal on a new TV can leave you frustrated and depressed when you realize it doesn’t fit in your entertainment center.

In short, if your TV is not receiving television broadcast via cable or satellite, it’s time to purchase a digital to analog converter box, or purchase a new DTV. If you decide to buy a new TV, make sure you know what you’re buying. Make sure it will fit in the allotted space you have available, and bargain shop to find the best deal within your budget.