Digital TV Facts: The Latest

We don’t know what will happen to all those poor old analog TVs when the switch to digital broadcasts is complete. But millions of no-longer-loved television sets will probably wind up in our closets, and ultimately in the trash:

This year alone, 12 million U.S. consumers will upgrade to the new look and quality of flat-panel TVs, as much for their decorative charms as their improved digital performance. And come February 2009, the 13 percent to 15 percent of TV viewers who still nab their signals over the air will be forced to upgrade to a digital set (or signal converting box) when analog TV broadcasts are shut off for good.

Lead, mercury are other toxic materials found in discarded TVs threaten to increase groundwater pollution. Several states, including Washington, Maine and California, have laws aimed at recycling and disposal of “e-waste.” Some consumer electronics firms are now calling for a national electronic recycling policy.

• Link: Myrtle Beach Sun News