It’s ‘critical to our collective success’ that retailers stock DT...

Retailers Coalition (CERC). If boxes aren’t produced and on store shelves by then, “significant consumer confusion will result and could negatively impact the overall success of the transition,” Rehr said. He asked for CEA and CERC suggestions on how broadcasters can help make the Jan. 1, 2008, “deadline work for your companies and America’s consumers.” But CE makers and retailers face no such formal deadline for delivering DTV converter boxes to store shelves. The date’s only legal significance is that it’s when NTIA must be ready to begin accepting consumers’ requests for DTV box coupons. Participation in NTIA’s coupon program is voluntary for CE makers and retailers. LG and Thomson have promised to ship coupon-eligible converter boxes (CECBs) by Jan. 2008. Retailers aren’t required to seek participation in the program until March 31, 2008. They can apply certification starting next month. CEA’s Shapiro wasn’t available for comment. But CERC’s Pearl said his group’s members “have taken an active interest in the NTIA CECB program and CERC has worked with NTIA to educate other retailers about the program.” Meanwhile, House Commerce Committee Chmn. Dingell (D-Mich.) has begun polling constituents about their readiness for the 2009 analog cutoff. “Legislation passed by the Majority in the previous Congress could force you to buy new equipment for your television or it will no longer work,” Dingell said in a question posted on his website. “Do you know if your television will work after the change from analog technology to digital?"