Do you still use “rabbit ears” to watch your television shows? Was your TV manufactured before March 2007? If so, in case you weren’t aware, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to move all TV broadcasting into the digital spectrum, thus making all analog TV receivers inoperable after February 17, 2009 without a digital converter box. To help spread the news, the FCC is making it mandatory for retailers to inform consumers of the plan to switch from analog to digital signal by labeling televisions that would be obsolete in the new year. Unfortunately, some retailers like Wal-Mart, Sears, Best Buy, Target, and Circuit City (among others) have forgotten to the apply the “consumer alert” label to applicable analog television equipment. As a result, the FCC has issued $3.9 million in fines to the offending stores after warning them 30 days in advance.
The label is required to be affixed on televisions manufactured before March 1, 2007, as all TVs made after the date were required to come with a digital tuner. However, retailers weren’t the only targets in the FCC’s sights. TV manufacturers Vivitar, Precor, and Syntax-Brillian were also slapped with $1.6 million in fines, for allegedly importing or selling outdated equipment. In total, over $6.5 million were collected by the FCC. All companies have 30 days to appeal.
“The Commission’s DTV-related enforcement efforts have focused on protecting consumers from unknowingly buying televisions that will not allow consumers to enjoy the full benefits of the digital transition,” the FCC said in a statement. “The orders demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to strong enforcement in promoting the successful transition to digital television.”
From a consumer stand point, the FCC is doing a great service. Nothing irritates me more than buying new devices that are only to be outdated within a short amount of time.
Read [eWeek]
Progress is what it is I guess, but part of me will miss those rabbit ears and the improvised coathanger antenna.