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Digital Television Mandate Coming Soon - Are You Ready?

by Heather McLaughlin

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If you’ve been staying on top of recent changes in the television industry, you’re probably aware that starting on February 18, 2009 Digital Television is going to be mandated for all televisions - leaving old analog TV’s deader than door nails.

Unfortunately, many US consumers are unaware of this major shift in technology that will make their formerly operable TV defunct and unable to bring down any sort of TV programming.

Many lawmakers are concerned that this change will leave many low income and elderly people that use old fashioned antennas in a difficult position with little understanding of why their TV’s won’t work. Around 19% of the American population doesn’t have cable and still use rabbit ears - this represents around 21 million households.

“These consumers will be confused, frustrated and angry that this important information and entertainment source in their home is no longer operational, through no fault of their own,” testified Nelda Barnett, a member of the board of the directors of the 39 million-member AARP, a lobby group for Americans aged 50 and older.

A recent poll found that over 60% of American’s had no idea that this change is set to take place.

The addition of a simple converter box will make the transition for those that don’t have digital
programming and a substantial amount of money has been allocated to educate and provide assistance in the purchase of these converters.

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