Radio Shack Helps Consumers with the Digital TV Transition

Stephanie Smith

stephanie_smith92@yahoo.com

FORT WORTH– RadioShack announced its plan to support the Digital Television (DTV) transition program in about 5,000 neighborhood stores next week. The government is requiring a switch from regular TV to DTV on February 17, 2009 . This means many people will need to either buy new television sets, or get converter boxes for older TV models.

RadioShack is more than willing to help.

RadioShack official Peter Whitsett said customer education is the number one challenge to ensure a smooth transition. He said the company has enough resources to train store employees and create online and in-store material to inform customers and make them aware of the options available. The company is even offering customer service in Spanish to ensure optimal results.

“We understand consumers often turn to the knowledgeable sales associates at their neighborhood RadioShack first to help them understand such technical issues and assist them in obtaining the best solutions for their individual needs. As such we are uniquely positioned to offer customers the necessary product, accessories, information and personal consulting to help make the transition from analog to digital broadcasts as seamless as possible,” said Whitsett.

Whitsett said customers can do 1 of 3 things to make the switch smoothly.  Buying a converter box or new TV will work, but you can also get your television through a satellite or cable TV as well.

The National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA) is offering $40 coupons to help consumers pay for the $60 converter boxes. Starting next week RadioShack will be equipped to redeem these coupons and begin the transformation.

Check out Radio Shack’s website or the DTV website for more information on the switch to Digital TV.