We've received a number of calls and e-mails this week from viewers concerned about what the digital transition will mean for their small, analog, battery-powered TVs. A lot of people rely on those TVs to get updates during severe weather. The bad news is they will not work after the digital switch.
But there are digital battery powered TVs available. Radio Shack is the only Wilmington store we could find that has a seven-inch, portable TV in stock right now, but it only has two of them. The store plans to get more soon.
"Most people probably didn't even think about it until hurricane season comes around," Radio Shack employee Mike Swencki said. "That's when they'll realize, 'Oh, my old portable TV that I was being warned with is not going to work anymore.' So I think it's good that people are now aware that these new portable digital TVs are out there."
The brand Radio Shack carries is about $200. Its built-in, re-chargeable battery lasts three to four hours.
Anolog TVs
Screw the cost. What about the Federal government deciding that we are on our own out here. During Frances we were under hurricane force conditions for over 90 hours. The TVs were our eyes and ears. After Wilma 6 million were without power for days, some for weeks. We have been relegated to being on our own in the dark by OUR government When exactly did the government turn their backs on the people?
For all the people who have
For all the people who have negative comments to make about a short battery life or cost of a television that WILL work, you should be thankful that at least there's an option.
price complaints
If you are old enough to remember when the old battery powered TVs came out, you can remember how expensive they were. Anything new (or small) is expensive at first. $200 is an EXTREMELY reasonable STARTING price. Once the early adopters have been lured in, the prices will begin to fall to reasonable levels. In the meantime, make use of a converter box if you can.
WOW MORE MONEY
Wow, now is this shocking(not) another way for the rich to get richer and the poor to get poor. Between gas prices, and food, jobs lost, now we can't even watch tv for free without buying other things to make it work. Something has got to give people
Battery Powered TV
I paid $15.00 for my battery powered black & white tv. Works great! Owned it for eight years. Now,$200.00 at Radio Shack! BULL..........
You will be able to use your
You will be able to use your $15 TV for about 9 more months now. After that, it will not work anywhere in the United States. Deal with it.
small portable digital tv
A rechargeable battery that lasts three to four hours is little comfort during a storm that lasts 8 to 12 hours, and if the electricity is knocked off for 10 days as it was during Fran.
Also, your digital audio signal will not be picked up by handheld radios that have a TV band. Big help, huh?
What we need is a small handheld digital TV that is powered by disposable batteries -- and it shouldn't cost $200 to make 'em.