Feb 13, 2008 6:18 pm US/Eastern
TV Will Go Digital In 2009
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
A year from now, some TV watchers will be unprepared when the government moves broadcasters to new digital frequencies. Those without cable, satellite or a new converter will see their sets go black.
As
Mike Schuh reports, one group says retailers are scaring consumers into paying much more than necessary.
Right now, all TV stations are broadcasting two signals: the kind we've always had, called analog and the new digital signal. Next year, by law, broadcasters will stop transmitting in analog and, unless you're ready, your TV will go blank.
But you don't have to rush out to get one of those beautiful high-definition TVs. A cheap converter box will work fine.
Yet a consumer group says electronics stores are hiding the cheap alternative, favoring the expensive new TVs.
"Retail sales clerks are misleading and providing misinformation to consumers about the digital transition," said Johanna Neumann with the Maryland Public Interest Group.
Last year, that consumer group sent secret shoppers to 132 electronics stores nationwide, including the top five here in Maryland.
Here is the crucial bit of information they say is being withheld--if you're a cable or satellite customer, the transition doesn't affect you.
Yet their results show that 63% of the sales staff provided inaccurate information about the need for a converter box.
To be fair, they surveyed late last year and these boxes just went on sale. You only need one if you are among the 15-20% of viewers who get TV signals using rabbit ears or rooftop antennas.
A reminder, if you are paying for cable or satellite TV, those companies will do the digital conversion for you. You don't have to buy anything extra. Only people who use rabbit ears are affected.
They also found that 75% of sales clerks give out bad information about the government coupons program. You're entitled to two $40 coupons to help buy converter boxes, so the final price for a converter will be about $20.
Click Here To Get Coupon
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
WJZ.COM's Most Popular Slideshows
