Do you really need to buy a new TV?

You can probably ride out the switch from analog to digital TV without buying a thing

By now, you’ve probably heard that television has been Congressionally mandated to make the switch to run exclusively digital by February 17, 2009.  Conspiracy theorists might find it curious that the government ordered the switch while simultaneously trying to stimulate the economy.  The switch forces full-power television stations nationwide to purchase all kinds of new equipment in order to comply.  Additionally, commercials have been running about the switch for about a year now, confusing viewers into thinking they must buy new converter boxes or televisions in order to continue being entertained by their favorite programming.  However, most people don’t actually need to buy anything at all.

Myth #1: I need a digital converter box.

Truth: Probably not! Unless you are watching free, over-the-air broadcasting with the help of “rabbit ears,” on a TV purchased before March 2007 that does not have a built-in digital tuner, you do not need to buy or use a digital converter box. The government is issuing 22.5 million coupons discounting the cost of digital converter boxes by $40 through March 31, 2009 (thanks to $890 million of your tax dollars!).  Digital converter boxes are running between $50 and $75 in cost. You do not need to buy or use a digital converter box if you subscribe to any cable or satellite television service package, have a television purchased after March 2007, and/or have a television purchased earlier that has a built-in digital tuner (marked SDTV, EDTV, or HDTV).

You can apply online for a converter box coupon here.

Myth #2: I need to buy a high–definition television to benefit from this switch to digital.

Truth: You are not going to notice a major difference in TV image quality as a result of this switch.  Unless you were already planning to buy a new television set for another reason, the switch to digital should not be an impetus to get rid of your old model.  However, if you are in the market for a new TV, make sure it’s marked as ENERGY STAR approved.  ENERGY STAR qualified TVs use about 30% less energy than standard units.  You can find the ENERGY STAR on everything from standard TVs, to HD-ready TVs, to the largest flat-screen plasma TVs.  Check out the ENERGY STAR website to find ENERGY STAR approved TVs. 

Myth #3: I can just put the old set out on the curb.

Truth: Televisions are used on average for less than two years. Can you still watch your old set?  Then someone else might benefit from its use.  Consider listing the TV on Craigslist or Freecycle, or donating it to a local charitable organization.  If your TV has died, burying it in a landfill is definitely not the answer. Check out the Consumer Education Initiative to find out where you can recycle that television (and any other electronics that no longer work).

Corporate Responsibility

Some manufacturers, like Sony, offer free recycling programs. Others, however, have NOT established take back programs; they actively lobby against state legislation that would require them to do so, and have been slackers when it comes to substituting environmentally responsible materials in their products. Fill out this online petition at Take Back My TV to ask other major television manufacturers to offer TV recycling programs.

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