Product News: CEA Says DTV Transition Looks Healthy, by Arlen Schweiger

CEA Says DTV Transition Looks Healthy

CEA president Gary Shapiro says that with six months to go before February's analog switch-off, the digital transition is in good shape and TVs are selling in record numbers.

With about six months to go before the DTV transition, the CEA says things are looking good.

August 19, 2008 | by Arlen Schweiger

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has given its six-months-out checkup on the digital transition, and it’s saying that things are AOK with the DTV move.

The analog switch off date is February 17, 2009, as a reminder to those who use over-the-air service for their television viewing. Last month, one study reported that 64 percent who do the free TV thing were ready for the transition.

CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro had positive news to report, though not too much in the way of preparatory statistics. “As we approach this historic finish line, I am pleased that decades of hard work, unprecedented public and private partnerships and countless hours of consumer education are working. CEA’s market research shows widespread consumer understanding of the transition and those Americans who need to take action are doing so. Many consumers are applying for coupons and purchasing digital-to-analog converter boxes, and even more Americans will purchase a new digital television (DTV). This year more than 32 million sets will sell in the U.S. – making this a record-breaking year for DTV sales.

“We continue to recognize and understand the need to ensure a smooth DTV transition,” Shapiro’s statement continued. “Together with our industry and government partners, we are committed to ensuring that television viewers do not lose service because they were not aware of the transition or their options.”

Perhaps we’ll find out more in a few weeks. The Wilmington, NC, market will make the switch to digital broadcasts on Sept. 8, becoming the first market in the country to go that way. I’m sure we’ll hear about it if there are problems.

Speaking of problems, don’t forget to redeem your converter box coupons, either, when you get them in the mail. We’re still receiving emails and hearing word about people missing out on the 90-day expiration window.