Retailers are trying to unload their dwindling stocks of analog-only TVs before the big switch to digital in 2009, but the FCC says that they have to place warnings in “close proximity” to models which will require a converter box to receive broadcast signals after 2009 or face the wrath that is FCC Chairman Kevin Martin’s laser gun of doom. Just kidding, he actually has a pickax of happiness. Anyhow, Kmart seems to have gotten the message, they’ve posted this warning on a 15″ Sylvania analog TV:

CONSUMER ALERT: This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal CommunicationsCommission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website at: http://www.dtv.gov.

The FCC supposedly has undercover agents surfing the web and shopping in-store, on the prowl for analog TVs that are not clearly marked as such. Fear the FCC. The warnings come after retailers promised that federal regulations were not necessary, then showed that they were by ignoring the voluntary program. —MEGHANN MARCO

FCC is warning retailers on DTV warnings [Digital TV Facts]
FCC Warns Retailers To Label Analog-Only Sets Online [Broadcasting and Cable]
(Photo: Kmart)

RELATED: The Conversion to Digital Television Is Going To Be Unpleasant

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