In an effort to provide more programming options, offer a clearer picture, and to free up the airwaves for emergency responders, all U.S. television stations will cease their analog broadcasts in favor of a digital signal. This switchover to the digital signal will occur on February 17, 2009. In order to still use an old analog television, you'll have to either buy a converter box (which is estimated to cost $50-70 dollars) or pay a cable or satellite company for their digital signal. Otherwise, you'll have to buy a digital television.
In any case, this changeover will cost television-watching Americans money. In an effort to lessen the financial burden this may have on some people, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is offering a TV Converter Box Coupon Program, in which consumers can apply online for a $40 government coupon that can be used to purchase approved converter boxes.
Another, and much more detrimental effect this changeover will have, is the potential environmental impact of people throwing away their old analog television sets. Environmentalists' concerns over this potential e-waste disaster are growing as the changeover date quickly approaches. No, not everyone responsibly disposes of their lead-filled analog television sets, thus adding to the ever-increasing e-waste problem. There are, however, environmentally-safe ways to recycle your analog television sets (and other electronic waste)---check out mygreenelectronics.org, and type in your zip code to find a local business that will take your e-waste.
Hopefully broadcasters, television manufacturers, and our government will do their part in educating the public on how to properly dispose of their analog television sets. Only time will tell if we'll get a "clearer picture" of how the digital switchover will affect our environment.
Thanks for the article. I wish we had all thought of this earlier and put up a stink about it. What a incredible waste.
Posted by: Alaska Mamma | February 27, 2009 at 05:47 PM