From the critical consumer information it provides to those researching the projector and HDTV industries derived The Chisholm Network's (http://www.ProjectorCentral.com ; http://www.HDTVSolutions.com and http://www.BigScreenForums.com ) success. A commitment to public service spurred Chisholm to utilize its resources to educate consumers about the Feb 2009 government mandated switch to digital television. Chisholm has also identified that the government's campaign may be used as a sales tool for some retailers anxious to sell flat screen HDTV's to those who don't necessarily need them.
Chisholm CEO, Dave Dicklich, said: "Out of fear and misinformation, consumers, may be misled by retail sales reps and ambiguous marketing campaigns into thinking that they must buy an HDTV or lose their over the air television broadcasting when the DTV transition takes place". "The reality is that if you subscribe to satellite or cable services, this transition will not affect you. Likewise, if you bought a TV in the last few years and it has a digital tuner (ATSC), you will not notice the change. You will need a converter box only if you don't fall into one of the above categories"
A website and phone number 1-888-DTV-2009 at which consumers can apply for a $40 coupon to cover some of the cost of a converter box was set by the government. The fact that they don't need a high definition TV (HDTV) to accommodate this transition is the important thing for consumers to remember. Only if they want to view the digital programming in "high definition" is a HDTV necessary.
It is a fact that on February 17, 2009, network analog broadcasts will cease forever and leave 15-20 million Americans who do not take action effectively left "in the dark." It is critical that all consumers understand their options, become informed, and are not hoodwinked into spending their money on systems they do not necessarily need.
