Without a cable box or satellite, get ready to discard your analog TV

The Sac Bee has just reported that “On Feb. 18, 2009, tens of millions of televisions that are not equipped to receive digital signals will become useless pieces of furniture. The government is spending $5 million to let owners know so they can do something about it – not enough, critics say.”

To read the entire story simply click on: http://www.sacbee.com/838/story/293299.html

In their article they mention that “21 million households–roughly 19 percent of the nation– rely on an antenna rather than cable or satellite to receive television signals.”

Talk about design obsolescence. Without a converter box or satellite for reception you will not be receiving the old standard analog signal beyond Feb. 17, 2009.

Don’t say you didn’t receive this public service notification from the Orange Juice.

If your current TV is not equipped to handle the changeover from analog to digital I would start saving some bucks. Progress comes at a price, even when you may be perfectly happy with your current TV reception.

While I have been aware of this change for some time it is not too early nor too late to give it some thought.

Will you be one of those forced to buy a new TV? If so, how do you feel about this major purchase that you may not have planned for?


About Larry Gilbert