Analog TVs Disappearing from Store Shelves

Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:17AM EDT

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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] 

 

Comments on Analog TVs Disappearing from Store Shelves

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  • 1 Posted by patnew69 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    The technology of HDTV is awesome, but what about the people who cannot afford these? What is this little box going to cost?

  • 2 Posted by crollison1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    My problem with this is that I live in a rural area in which HD is only available over satellite. I don't feel like paying extra for a few channels of HD. If I just have analog, then I don't want the black bars.

  • 3 Posted by lissa_m1234 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    I like my analog tv. SO I am the one who is sad. I have several but my favorite is a 13 inch mitsubishi -go- america color tv. I bought it for college in 1988. It has traveled all over the country with me. It works in the woods, in a trailer, while tailgating, no problems. It has been to college with 4 different college students. Still works like the first day. My expensive.. che che poo poo lcd from 2005 has died. I purchased a new 42 inch LCD.... had to replace it 3 times. Mr. Analog keeps chugging along. I like the HDTV with the huge screen in the family room, but a cute, small analog in the kids and guest room is all that is needed

  • 5 Posted by texxi48 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    Some people simply can't afford these fancy unecessary HD T.V.'s. It bothers me that this upcoming "switchover" seems to be mandatory and on top of everything else the public will have to purchase a converter;that they wouldnt have to buy if things stayed as they are.People shouldn't have to spend all this extra money......Have you SEEN the prices of HD T.V.'s? Through the roof. Analog tv's should always remain available. People should have a CHOICE.

  • 6 Posted by ytech_dorydevlin on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $75 each. But there will be a government program offering all U.S. households two $40 coupons toward the purchase of the boxes between Jan. 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009.

  • 8 Posted by lesa.gilbert@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    All over the nation people are up to their eyeballs in credit card debt and now we're going to HAVE to buy hugely expensive TVs to get cheap entertainment. I don't know about most people but I can't write a check for a several hundred to several thousand dollars to buy a TV so I would have to go the credit card route. Since the Feds are pushing this do they want to make interest free loans so we can all go buy digital TVs?

  • 9 Posted by l_a_derrick on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    Please don't be alarmist. Many analog television owners won’t need a converter: 85 percent of Americans now get all their television from cable or satellite providers, so for the most part the change-over won’t affect them. If you have cable or satellity, you do not need a converter or new TV. BTW, digital and HDTV are NOT the same. People will NOT have buy a converter. The govt is providing funds for converter boxes, so those who wish to keep their old sets can. From http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html "Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Eligible converter boxes are for the conversion of over-the-air digital television signals, and therefore are not intended for analog TVs connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the coupon program. For more information, visit the NTIA website at http://www.ntia.doc.gov. The Commission’s DTV website, www.dtv.gov, also provides information for consumers on the upcoming digital-to-analog converter box coupon program. More detailed information regarding NTIA’s coupon program, what digital-to-analog converter boxes will be eligible, where and when they may be purchased, and the related costs involved will be provided by the Commission and NTIA as the commencement of the coupon program on January 1, 2008, approaches."

  • 10 Posted by rocrichroc@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    Can we presume that the Cable Company's and Satellite will provide analog signals for a while. I'm not ready for the big buck transfer to Digital. My big 42" analog still does a its job. Best Buy hasn't made too many good decisions lately. If you go into one, you are probably the only customer in the store.

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