Why do the television stations make you feel like the end of the world is coming when 2-09 arrives?

Question

Apparently, all our analog tv sets will explode. If we have not bought a digital HD set, we shall perish.

WTF? Why do we need such an advanced warning? Do we need that much time to get up off the couch and down to Circuit City? They started warning us about a year ago, too.

Answer 1

lmfao yeah i noticed that too

Answer 2

Well you remember what happed when with the turn of the century!

I have my fallout shelter stocked and ready to go!

I'm glad none of you suckers know where I live! (muah ha ha ha)  

Answer 3

It's a ploy to create mass hysteria, and panic in the streets. I'm sure Uncle Sam has stock in Circuit City and those kinda places.

Answer 4

But do not fear! You can get a coupon for some box gizmo that will save your tv from exploding. It is mankind's only hope for survival.  

Answer 5

They, the stations are doing 2 things.  Public service announcements.  They also getting Federal money to do so.

Beefing up their consumer electronic advertising business.

Answer 6

Because if they didn't give rediculously ample warning the people who would complain about too much warning would complain about not enough warning and try to sew.  

Answer 7

What are the little computer chips made out of? Petroleum! Hmmm. I was watching my tv just fine. How many people complained of the fuzz? Not me, I liked it because I had continuous broadcast of stations with fuzz. But with HDTV I know have a TV that relapses and is blacking out every 30 seconds. Wow, what a improvement!