BATH, UNITED KINGDOM – FEBRUARY 27: Digital ready television sets wait to be sold on display in a shop on February 27 2008 in Bath, United Kingdom. The original analogue television signal, used in the UK since the begining of television broadcasts in the 1930s and 1940s, is being switched over to digital, region by region from now until 2012. The new service will offer more channels and is said to be higher quality picture but there are concerns that not all households in the UK are ready for the change. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Be sure that you are buying a DTV. It should be a no-brainer, but it's always best to double check.
By law, beginning March 1, 2007, all television reception devices (including TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc.) imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce must contain a digital tuner. Retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory, but must prominently display on or near the analog-only device a Consumer Alert label with an advisory.
Therefore, all television equipment being sold should contain a digital tuner, or should be identified at the point-of-sale as not having one. Be aware of the Consumer Alert label and the limitations of analog-only devices if you are purchasing a new TV or other TV equipment. And if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask the salesperson. Just remember that DTV is different from HDTV and you do not need an HDTV simply to receive free over-the-air programs.
