With all the talk about the government economic stimulus checks coming out a week early, I know there are people out there itching to spend that money on a flat screen TV.
Some of these people are even arguing they need a new TV because their current television will be rendered useless when TV networks broadcast digitally instead of on analog airwaves in February 2009.
Don’t let that money burn a hole in your pocket just yet! There are a few ways to make sure your old tube survives the transition to new technology.
First of all, you could buy a converter. The converter will cost somewhere between $50 and $70. You can request a $40 off coupon here. There is a limit of two coupons from each household. The coupons can’t be combined to purchase one converter. The coupons expire 90 days after you receive them, and they are only available while supplies last. Buying the converter with the coupon is much cheaper than buying a new television.
If you currently subscribe to cable television or have a satellite, you don’t have to change a thing. You will still be able to use your old television as long as it’s hooked up to the cable/satellite receiver.
You could give up television. Okay, it’s not for everyone, but you could try it if you wanted. We have friends that watch their favorite shows on iTunes for free. They also use Netflix to watch television shows and movies. It’s much cheaper than a satellite television subscription.
Don’t get rid of your old television just because it doesn’t have all the nifty hookups for your DVD players and other gadgets. I’ve been seeing a lot of people giving up their old TVs on Freecycle for this very reason, and it makes me cringe. You can get something called a Video Converter (RF Modulator) that are easy to install and cost under $20 to make your old television work with all your components.
Research all your options when considering what to do. Just remember that no matter what the salesperson (or your spouse, or sibling, or kid) says, you don’t have to buy a new television. There are more frugal, environmentally friendly options out there.
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