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By Kenneth Saxe, MCSE, MCSA, MCPS, MCNPS, CNE
Senior Technical Consultant

Still confused about the transition to digital TV? If so, you wouldn't be the only one.

Starting on Feb. 17, 2009, television signals will only be broadcast digitally instead of in the current analog format.

Although I have tried to use this excuse to justify the addition of a mammoth flat screen to our living room, my technically savvy wife just won't bite. She knows that no one needs a new TV with this transition. The 5-year old Samsung we have now will still work. Darn!

If there ever was a confusing consumer issue, it's the upcoming analog to digital transition.

A Consumer Reports' survey showed that 74 percent of consumers are aware of the transition, but more importantly found the following incorrect assumptions:

  • More than half of those consumers (58 percent) believe all TVs will need a digital converter to work. FALSE!
  • Nearly half (48 percent) believe only digital televisions will work after 2009. FALSE!
  • One quarter (24 percent) believe they will need to throw away their analog sets. FALSE!

Millions of people will need to do something when the over-the-air analog broadcasts ends (as many as 23 million according to Consumer Reports). These are the people who use "rabbit ears" to receive local broadcast channels. They will need a digital converter box, not necessarily a new television. But if you have a relatively new TV with a built-in digital tuner or have a cable TV service or satellite service ... you don't have to do anything. The boxes you have for these paid services will handle analog-to-digital conversions for you.

For more information about the digital transition visit http://www.dtv.gov/.

If you have questions about the services offered by Stambaugh Ness Business Solutions, you may contact Ken Saxe at 717-757-6999 or 800-745-8233, or you can send him an email by using the form below. One thing's for sure: he won't be busy watching his mammoth flat screen TV.


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Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

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Securities and advisory services offered through Geneos Wealth Management, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Geneos Wealth Management, Inc is not affiliated with Stambaugh Ness.