Analog TV warning label becomes a reality
Two months after the trafficking of analog TVs became a crime, those retailers who stocked up on analog TV in anticipation of the deadline, are going to have to put warning labels on all those analog only TVs. While some retail locations are already clean out of analog only TVs, others are still holding onto quite a few for all those bargain shoppers. What these labels are supposed to do is to let consumers know that these TVs aren't a bargain after all, especially if you consider that the ATSC equipped 13 inch TV at Best Buy sells for about $20 more than one without. We think this is a good idea, but we agree with the FCC chairman Michael Copps: it would have been much better if it went into effect 14 months ago when congress passed the law that will cause NTSC transmissions to cease on Feb 19th 2009.
Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ashley @ Apr 29th 2007 7:34PM
Right now it is a transitional period. I think it was wise to have Congress mandate HD convergence but its the TV company's fault for not keeping up with the times (even though they have the technology and resources. But having the ATSC tuner is a must!
SH @ Apr 29th 2007 11:27PM
Congress did not mandate "HD convergence". They mandated digital television. Big difference and a common misconception.
James Rainey @ Apr 30th 2007 4:52PM
We got an LCD Toshiba HDTV last fall. It had a warning label on it when we got it. BestBuy rep said some are using it as a sales pitch to buy ATSC tuner equipped TV's and so far it's worked. Prices weren't that different, and the customers were grateful.