"At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders."
In order to help consumers, the goverment is providing a TV Convert Box Coupon Program:
"Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:
1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner. "
More information can be found in the DTV 2009 Website.
Can We Profit from This?
I'm still looking at more ways to profit from this trend, but we do know there is a solid trend from Analog to Digital TV.
In a previous blog, we mention a few initial stock options:
- Corning (GLW) -- Used by Optical Networking and Flat Screen and High Definition HDTVs
- Cisco (CSCO) -- Networking and Set-Top Box exposure.
- NDS Group (NNDS) -- End to end digital technology and services to digital pay-television operators and content providers worldwide.
- Harris Group (HRS) -- Has a Digital TV division and provides emergency communication equipment, broadcast communications and wireless networking.
We may revisit this topic some more at a later time.
Do you have any ideas you'd like to share?
Article on: "No Profit Bonanza Likely from TV Cutoff"
