Countdown To Digital TV Transition, Are We Ready?

February 19, 2009 marks the beginning of a new day and age where as the U.S. will transition over into digital TV. According to reports, more than 40% of Memphis is not ready for the digital transition.

Who would have ever thought that digital broadcasting would effect your tube. You’re probably asking yourself, what?

Well according to reports, more than 40% of Memphis is not ready for the digital transition which will effect that tube some of us sit in front of and watch everyday. Yes, your television! The government is actually the one who mandated this to take place and this goes into effect on February 19, 2009, which will possibly give you a chance to either go out and get a new television, subscribe to digital cable/satellite or buy a DTV converter box which will make older televisions capable of receiving digital signals.

Reportedly, there is an estimated 13 million households with televisions that can only tune in to analog broadcasts according to Nielsen. At least 6 million households have at least one television that will just be a tube or a black screen after February 19, 2009.

In related news, Congress set aside $1.5 billion for the program, which will fund 33.5 million coupons and other costs such as for the converter boxes. The converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 to $70.