Organic Picks Blog » Keep Your TV Out Of The Trash

Keep Your TV Out Of The Trash - For Free
January 7, 2008

Posted by CindyC in : Green Journal , trackback

February 17, 2009. What’s so special about this date? Only the biggest change in broadcast television since the invention of color TV sets. On this day in 2009, TV stations will turn off their current analog signals and broadcast only in digital – to deliver clearer picture and additional programming and free up airwaves for other public uses. This change means that older TVs without a built-in digital tuner will go black, unless you pay for cable or satellite programming services.

Or you can get a digital-to-analog converter box. These converter boxes will change the signals back to analog and allow you to continue using your current TV set. And the government will help you get the converters for (almost) free. Starting in January, each household can apply for maximum of two $40 coupons towards the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes, which is expected to retail around $60 to $70. The coupons must be redeemed within 90 days after issuance. These coupons are part of the $1.5 billion federal program to help consumers make the transition from analog to digital. Retailer details, converter eligibility and coupon application form can be found at DTV2009

So before you forsake your perfectly good TV set, consider getting a converter box, rather than adding to the already overwhelming pile electronic waste, estimated at 400 million units of obsolete electronics tossed for scraps each year.

CindyC at Organicpicks

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