Audio Video News

One of the most significant pieces of the transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting fell into place with the recent announcement that major retail chains would carry the set-top boxes necessary to keep analog sets from going dark.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration rattled off a litany of familar names: Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart. You (or Gramps) will be able to go to any of these places, present one or two $40 federal subsidy coupons, and walk out with the magic box. More than 14,000 brick-and-mortar stores are participating in addition to online outlets.

The digital-to-analog STBs will be able from more than one brand including Digital Stream Technology, LG, Philips (Philco and Magnavox), and RCA.

The coupons will become available from the NTIA on February 17, 2008, Engadget reports. Analog TV broadcasting will cease February 17, 2009, giving vintage-TV owners a window of opportunity of exactly a year to make the switch.