Warning labels proposed for analog TV sets
Cory Bergman January 23rd, 2007
Some top House Republicans want to slap warning labels on analog TV sets that read, “This TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after Feb. 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts.” The proposed bill would also require broadcasters to file regular reports with the FCC detailing their consumer education efforts. The NAB has endorsed the legislation.
12 Comments Add your own
1. Vinny | January 23rd, 2007 at 9:36 am
I’m actually quite libertarian, but I do think this is a good idea. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to people who said something akin to, “Well, my TV is Digital” and I’m like, “Do you even understand the difference?”
Of course, they reply with, “I have digital cable!” And I just groan and realize that in 2 years, we’re going to have a MAJOR problem on our hands.
2. thewashingtonchannel | January 23rd, 2007 at 10:17 am
no more so than we have today with hd.
tv and radio people think this is really something while the general population just yawns.
3. Echy | January 23rd, 2007 at 11:27 am
Vinny, The scenario you describe will not be a problem after the changeover. It will only be a problem for people with an antenna who require a tuner on their sets. If you have a cable box, satellite box, or some external video receiver all you need is a display. Pump the sound into your stereo or home theater and your good to go. The display can be a projector, computer monitor, or a TV if you want to pay for the built-in but unnecessary tuner and speakers.
4. David Johnson | January 23rd, 2007 at 11:42 am
Rob Pegoraro’s Fast Forward column at the Washington Post this weekend (Countdown to the Digtial Deadline) discusses how most tvs with standard tuners have only two years left to live.
5. Bill | January 23rd, 2007 at 11:52 am
All the new TV’s I just bought already have a similar warning sticker on them…
6. Echy | January 23rd, 2007 at 11:55 am
Rob states Why even care about over-the-air reception if, like most, you get your TV programming via cable, satellite or another paid service? Aside from its utility as a backup in case a cable outage or “rain fade” blanks out your regular signal, digital TV makes over-the-air broadcasting relevant again.
The big scam is making everyone think they need a new TV set. If you have cable or satellite or some other service providing you with a set-top box you will not need a new TV
7. thewashingtonchannel | January 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 pm
the even bigger scam is making everyone think they need ota tv.
it’s over, folks.
8. Todd Thorpe | January 23rd, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Yeah, OTA is a scam until there’s a civil emergency and the cable goes out…
9. Echy | January 23rd, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Todd, for that use a radio. It’s tough to get a TV working in a car while driving to safety.
10. thewashingtonchannel | January 23rd, 2007 at 8:18 pm
ok, so the over-the-air comment was a little over-the-top. but you get the idea; whether digital or analog, anything that simply covers a 60 mile radius is over… it’s no longer cost effective when you can broadcast to “the world”.
echy, very funny too.
11. dmkdtx | January 24th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
I’m doing fine without a tv. I learned to read instead.
12. havencircle | January 25th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
I live in a hurricane zone. We have lots of weird weather conditions and power, cable, and especially satellite all go out on a regular basis. If you don’t have ota tv, you could have a tornado or a severe thunderstorm cell on your butt and not be able to prepare for it. During hurricane season, if a major storm farts in this direction, your service will more than likely go out and you need to be able to keep up with the weather here. It sucks, but yeah - I’m gonna hafta buy a digital tuner of some sort as a backup.
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