The Fine Print: So Long, Box Set

In the not-so-distant future, box sets across the nation will turn dark. And we mean dark — not a flicker, not a fuzzy screen, no more scratchy white snow. Not even your old rabbit ears will be able to pick up over-the-air signals — because there won’t be any. Come February 2009, a new law will require broadcasters to ditch the age-old analog signals for digital ones. No, this isn’t a scam to drive TV sales — the government needs the air space for fire and police communications systems, and will auction some space to wireless high-speed Internet services. Have you ever had a better excuse to go shopping? Check out the chart on page 139 to find the digital-ready TV that’s right for you.