Analog TVs Disappearing from Store Shelves

Best Buy is pulling the last of its analog TVs off its big-box store shelves. Not terribly surprising news, but definitely a signal that high-definition is becoming the signal of choice.

While Best Buy may be the first mega retailer to get out of the analog set business, we can expect others to follow as a 2009 federal deadline approaches for broadcasters to switch from analog to digital signals. For those who still have analog TVs when the switchover occurs, converter boxes will be available to turn a digital signal back to analog so the TVs still work.

Despite the looming deadline, the market didn't like Best Buy's move, Forbes.com reports. The retailer's stock price dropped 90 cents a share after the decision was announced. And while sales of flat-panel HDTVs are still on the rise, the growth in sales slowed in the second quarter of 2007. Which could mean some good sales leads for consumers if the earnings success of Best Buy and other retailers becomes more wedded to HDTV sales.

Truth be told, when most consumers are ready to buy a new TV, they will be looking for a good deal on an HDTV. I've been on the phone this week with my parents, who have been researching HDTVs and are close to making the switch to a 42-inch LCD TV. 

Anyone out there sad you may not be able to find a new analog TV one day soon at your neighborhood big-box electronics store? I don't think so, but if I'm wrong, let me know. 

LINK: Best Buy A Digital TV [Forbes.com]