The Refinishing Touch Blog

Last week, The US House of Representatives voted for an official extension to the analog switch off from the original date of February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009.

Though almost all stations are already broadcasting in digital, the Washington Post reported that an estimated 14 million households across America still depend on analog broadcasts. The delayed date comes as a response from the government after many speculated whether the government was following all necessary steps to provide assistance for Americans through the transition.

Consumers who elect to keep their analog televisions will need a converter box to receive digital broadcasts.

A Neilsen research note from January of 2009 found that more than 6.5 million households were not ready for the switch and more that 3.7 million consumers are still on a waiting list to receive vouchers from the Department of Commerce that promises a discount on converter boxes.

At TRT, we are continuing in our initiatives to work with key players in the hospitality industry to ensure that they are ready for the digital transition. Hoteliers purchasing new digital flat screen TVs are faced with needing to house the new TVs in armoires that cannot accommodate the size and shape of the new TVs. By working with existing assets, we have been able to provide an economically sound solution to our customers with our armoire modification process.

The digital switch has its affect on consumers, business owners and industry players alike. How have you been affected by the switch?

Labels: Analogue Switch, Hospitality, hotel, Neilsen