Don’t mess with the government when it comes to the DTV transition.
The Federal Communications Commission just fined Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears and other retailers a combined $3.9 million for not properly labeling analog-only TVs that will need converter boxes after the switch to digital broadcasts in 2009.
According to FCC rules, stores must display or affix a “consumer alert” label to analog-only equipment. The FCC says it warned the companies about the violations and potential fines after conducting inspections of 2,200 stores and 36 web sites last June.
The FCC also handed down $2.7 million in fines to companies violating other digital-TV rules that involve shipping analog equipment and blocking such technologies as the V-chip. The companies have 30 days to appeal the fines.
Are retailers really doing their best to keep consumers properly informed about the impending switch? In February, a Massachusetts consumer advocacy group released a study claiming many sales clerks tried to persuade customers to buy new televisions rather than offering the less expensive converter boxes.
For more information on the digital transition, check out these articles:
- Everything You Need to Know About the Digital Transition
- Is My TV a Digital TV?
- The Converter Box Set-Up
(Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.)
I’m glad the FCC fined these retailers,maybe now they will train their salespeople better.
BTW:you do NOT need a digital tuner if you use cable or satellite.
You can get new digital ready tv for a couple of hundred dollars. Maybe less if you buy one used from someone.
Anyone else think that there is a magnitude or more profit in upselling than the cost in these piddly fines?
Then again, anyone else think a customer shouldn’t be pushed into getting “past” analog? But gently - not all of us have a lot of money.
Name:
Email:
Remember my personal information
Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please answer the question below:
Type the 2nd letter of the word "television":
Electronic House is now available in a digital edition. Learn more.
Nice useful technology. What is the cost of the system?
Stay up-to-date with home electronics. 
Weekly email offers tips, info and product news.
Get the content that's important to you.
You don’t need a lot of money. If you use the government issued coupon it will cost you $10 out of pocket for a digital converter box