RSSBest Buy to begin selling DTV boxes on February 17
By Ed Oswald | Published February 7, 2008, 11:23 AM
The electronic retailer said it was ready for the digital television transition, stocking converter boxes that would be compatible with the US government's rebate program.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) offers $40 towards the purchase price of $59.99. It is only required for those who recieve over-the-air programming: those with cable of satellite service will not need the box.
In order to be eligible for the rebate, a consumer must first apply for the coupon via the NTIA Web site. Best Buy said that it has been working to inform customers of the pending transition since 2006.
Analog tuner products were pulled from its shelves in October, making it the first retailer to do so. The company said it will also launch a dedicated toll-free number for consumers to ask questions about the transition.
"The DTV transition is an event that is unprecedented in this country, and it will require a coordinated effort by broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers and the government," electronics chief Mike Vitell said "We take our role as a trusted source of information very seriously."
Besides purchasing the converter box, consumers also have the option to buy a new television. Best Buy's televisions now include digital tuners, it said.
Digital tv takes over on febuary 17 , 2009
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How is this news worthy? Wal-Mart has had the converters on the shelves for over 2 weeks. And the ones they have are $49.99 which are $10 less than the ones at Best Buy. And yes, they too qualify for the $40 coupon program.
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These were sent out to the stores over a week ago and most stores have already put them out on the shelves for sale.
The lines of communication from upper management down to the retails store levels aren't all that good at Best Buy. They are well known for putting things out on the shelves at their stores before they are supposed to, according to what the upper management instructs them to do.
They have so many things going in so many different directions at these stores all at the same time that is is very easy for things like this to slip though the cracks and get put out for sale way before they are "officially" launched. Happens all the time.
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This will be a good thing for many people. Another one that will be is that when folks purchase their HDTV from Best buy the store will take their old analog set off their hands and dispose of it properly. Hopefully other retailers will do the same.
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