February 17, 2009: The day the world will end. OK, maybe not the world, but definitely the good old days of analog television. Chances are you have seen a commercial in recent months featuring an old person letting you know you need new gear to convert your tube to digital so that you don’t risk a blackout. Have no idea what I’m talking about? Click here.
According to the LA Times, “People with cable, satellite or phone company TV services will continue to receive broadcast stations. But those who rely on antennas must have either a newer TV with a digital receiver or get a converter box. No-frills versions of those boxes cost $40 to $70. To offset the expense, the federal government allocated $1.5 billion to provide households with up to two $40 coupons.” Anywho, despite an additional $2 billion budget aimed at educating folks (read: grandma and grandpa) about the transition and for coupons to buy the necessary conversion boxes, we have a real problem on our hands apparently. An estimated 7.7 million households risk their screens going dark, and as expected, there is plenty of finger-pointing going around over how the transition has been handled. The biggest culprit: the government, naturally.
For more information, you may visit http://www.dtv.gov/