TV labeling for digital shift falls short
August 12th, 2006More than a few consumers are still buying old-school analog TVs, and many don’t realize the sets will no longer receive over-the-air signals as of 2009. The nation’s dominant big-box electronics chains are falling short when it comes to informing consumers about the switch to digital broadcasts:
According to a survey of two leading electronics retailers conducted by National Journal’s Insider Update, only 3 percent of sets for sale at Best Buy included notices about the 2009 change. The comparable number was 33 percent for Circuit City.
Also, warning labels for analog TVs, under a voluntary program for manufacturers spearheaded by the Consumer Electronics Association, had yet to reach the surveyed stores.
Given the limited government funding dedicated to informing consumers about the transition to digital TV, retailers and manufacturers—and broadcasters—need to intensify their efforts, and quickly.
• Link: National Journal