How the digital switch will affect analog, battery-powered TVs

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.