March 1 is rapidly approaching, and with it one of the last major hurdles for the digital television transition. After Wednesday, all products shipped with analog television tuners will be required to include a DTV tuner.
The milestone marks the final phase-in of DTV tuners and comes as DTV industries and consumers prepare for all-digital broadcasting in 2009.
"The finish line for the transition to digital broadcasting is less than two years away," says Consumer Electronics Association President and CEO Gary Shapiro, "and the consumer electronics industry has reason to celebrate this latest milestone on the pathway to a successful transition"
The influx of digital tuners gives consumers an alternative to purchasing a new TV in order to continue receiving programming after the Feb. 17, 2009 federally-mandated switch from analog to digital over-the-air programming.
As part of CEA's ongoing effort to help consumers understand the transition from analog to digital television, CEA's Video Division Board adopted language last year for manufacturers and retailers to alert consumers purchasing an analog-only set that a digital converter box will soon be required for over-the-air reception. Shapiro encourages retailers to include the analog labeling language in product displays as an additional measure to ensure consumers are informed about how analog sets will receive over-the-air broadcasts after the transition.
This voluntary labeling initiative is part of an industry-wide educational effort that supports a successful digital television transition.
For more information, visit www.myceknowhow.com.
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