Fort Worth, Texas — The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and RadioShack presented an informational session on the digital television (DTV) transition, here, today.
The session took place at RadioShack’s flagship StoreOne where members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and area senior citizen groups learned how they could still watch their favorite TV programs once full-power television broadcasting switches to digital on Feb. 17, 2009.
Any analog television not connected to a pay-TV service will require a digital-to-analog converter box in order to receive over-the-air programming after Feb. 17, 2009.
“Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the North Texas news media, people are well aware that the digital transition is coming. CEA’s message to over-the-air viewers is: Don’t wait. Start enjoying the benefits of digital television today,” said Megan Pollock, CEA’s senior communications manager.
“RadioShack is equipped to offer our customers a wide variety of options to receive digital television broadcasts, whether they want to keep their existing TV or purchase a new one,” said Peter Whitsett, executive VP/merchandising for RadioShack. “We were delighted to see so many leaders of our community attend this informational day so they can help spread the word to people who need to get ready for the transition.”
Experts fielded questions from the media and the public and showcased several affordable DTV converter boxes and distributed handouts that show the simple process for hooking the converters up to any existing television set and antenna.
DTV converter boxes range from $40 to $70 at retail, and the federal coupon program provides up to two $40 coupons per household to offset that cost. NTIA associate administrator Bernadette McGuire-Rivera explained how to apply for the coupons using the Web site www.DTV2009.gov and how to redeem them at certified retailers.
RadioShack is currently offering two brands of digital converter boxes — Zenith and Digital Stream — for $59.99 including a universal remote control. In addition, the company also has available a variety of accessories such as splitters, analog switch boxes and indoor and outdoor antennas for customers who need them.
CEA’s spokesman Jim Barry also explained how consumers who choose to purchase a new TV can make sure their old set is recycled properly by visiting www.myGreenElectronics.org to find a local certified recycler. Consumers should visit www.DigitalTips.org for detailed information about the digital television transition.
