Results tagged “FCC” from theInput.net

The FCC has begun giving out fines to retailers for selling analogue TV sets without a warning label cautioning consumers that analogue transmissions will cease in 2009:

While the fines aren't massive, they do show that the FCC takes retailer compliance with its rules seriously. Those rules, which went into effect on May 25, 2007, force any company selling analog-only TV sets to display a prominent "Consumer Alert" in "a size of type large enough to be clear, conspicuous and readily legible" that is located on the set itself or immediately adjacent to it. The Alert warns potential buyers that the set will not receive over-the-air broadcasts after February 17, 2009 without a converter box.

These warning labels are extremely important in the crossover to completely digital broadcasting, as they will help clear consumer confusion regarding TV technology. Without them, I can see consumers panicking on February 17, 2009 as their less than 2 year old set no longer works. Retailers like Best Buy are avoiding the whole fiasco by only selling digital TV sets.

I'm dreading the switchover date, as I can already predict a few phone calls heading my way asking why the TV doesn't work.