As countries like the US transition its TV signals from analog to digital, consumers will be forced to buy digital tuners and get on the digital TV bandwagon.

T&A: Known as the great analog switch-off, US has joined a group of nations to be some of the first to transition its national TV broadcasts from analog to digital signals nationwide.

According to reports from several major news sources, including this one by the New York Times, many stations were anticipating calls from unsuspecting viewers when they shut down their analog broadcasts. The report quotes research firm Nielsen as saying that about 2.8 million homes in the US are completely unprepared for the switch.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the US, which monitors and regulates communications channels across the country, has released an official report on its site, including launching a site to help consumers ease their analog-to-digital transitions smoothly. 

The switch would have no impact on cable and satellite users of course, as they receive their signals via other sources. Homes relying on over-the-air signals will need to buy a digital converter box or purchase a TV with an internal digital tuner. (more…)