Reply #58: Some consumer advice here

[LTR]

If you go out shopping for a new TV, make sure it is compatible with DTV. Some models may still be on clearance, though as a previous poster said, all TVs made since March are compatible.

Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart and Target post warning labels next to the demos of older product that is not DTV-compatible. These would be mostly older tube TVs (and some flatscreen/LCD), portable units (those $20 black and white deals with 5" screens) and the cheapie clearance deals. Look for the label or ask a sales clerk. You can still buy these, often for insanely cheap prices, but you'll need a converter or cable/satellite box after February 2009 (if the current analog shut-off date is not postponed). Otherwise, they're basically obsolete.

I have also found that DTVs are getting cheaper and cheaper. Lots of decent quality LCD sets can be found for the same price that comparably-sized non-DTV sets were previously going for. For instance, I bought a 27" set five years ago for $300, and could probably find something comparable in LCD for close to the same price or slightly higher now.

As for the analog shutoff, this is not some sort of fiendish plot by the government. Some countries have already completely shut down analog TV. Most other countries are in the process of doing so. And the majority of Europe will be all-digital within the next couple years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_television
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television