Consumers looking to buy a new analog TV shouldn’t bother shopping in Best Buy outlets. The retail giant said Wednesday that is exiting the analog TV business.
Best Buy pointed to the FCC’s mandated February 2009 cutoff of analog broadcast signals in making its announcement – the first such public announcement from a major consumer electronics retailer.
“We are committed to helping people understand the digital television transition, and exiting the analog video business is one way we can help avoid confusion,” Mike Vitelli, senior vice president of electronics for Best Buy, said in a statement. “Customers can now be sure that any television they purchase at Best Buy will be fully compliant with the digital television transition. And for customers who aren’t in the market for a new television, we can help you find the best solution to meet your needs.”
Best Buy said it will also participate in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s digital TV converter box coupon program, which will allow consumers to use $40 coupons to purchase converters that can be used to view digital broadcast signals.
Each U.S. household can request up to two coupons that can used to purchase DTV converters. Best Buy said it will begin to stock and sell coupon-eligible DTV converters in early 2008.
