Date: 02-19-2008
Government and industrial officers in the U.S. are busy campaigning to prepare the public amidst utter consumer confusion over the technological conversion of analog broadcast TV to digital. The transition period, which has already begun, will be completed by February 17, 2009. An estimated 14 million households and about 117 million analog TV sets are liable to be affected by the switch. A government program is underway which will send two coupons to each eligible household that requests them to subsidize the purchase of a conversion box for about $40-50. The switch could give an economic impetus to retailers and manufacturers, who would benefit from selling the boxes and new TVs or through exchange offers. And cable providers could get a boost over the next year or two from consumers who sign up for new service.
