And the govt. subsidizing it by providing coupons for people to buy analog-to-digital converters -- what a breach of laissez faire ethics! I bet Ron Paul is steaming angry! But I've noticed that unlike with other government cash payouts to people -- and these subsidies have no income cap requirements!! -- the media is pretty cheerful on this. "Check out this kick ass new thing the govt.'s helping people do! It's exciting!" But my guess is because a lot of the news outlets reporting ont his also have a stake in people switching to digital TV so they can continue to view their advertiers..er, I mean, new. -B.]
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http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071211/digital_tv_government.html?.v=2
Retailers to sell TV converter boxes
By DIBYA SARKAR, AP Business Writer Tue Dec 11, 6:46 PM ET
WASHINGTON - Best Buy Co. Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and six other retailers will sell equipment enabling owners of analog television sets to continue to view programming after the 2009 nationwide switch to digital broadcasting, the federal government said Tuesday.
Starting Jan. 1, an estimated 13 million to 21 million households that rely on an antenna to watch TV can contact the government to receive two coupons worth $40 each to buy converter boxes.
The $1.5 billion program — which is enough to fund 33.5 million coupons — ends March 31, 2009.
Retailers will begin selling the devices, which translate the digital signal for such TV sets, in mid February.
[...]
The nation's broadcasters on Feb. 17, 2009 will be turning off their analog over-the-air broadcasts. Congress established the coupon program to facilitate the federally mandated transition. There is no income cap on consumers who want the coupons.
Cable and satellite TV providers said they will ensure their subscribers continue to view programming after the switch.
However, Congress has criticized the government for not having a comprehensive plan to ensure a smooth transition to digital TV.
The Government Accountability Office on Tuesday said the NTIA, Federal Communications Commission and other agencies have made progress in consumer outreach, but challenges still remain. A similar GAO report issued in September echoed the same concerns.
Several organizations have previously said they are concerned that many people, particularly the elderly, the poor and minorities, will be caught off guard when the change occurs.