What Can We Do with Millions of Obsolete Televisions?

Older model televisions will suddenly become virtually worthless when the new transmissions start. I am already getting tired of hearing how there are coupons available to help with the cost of a converter box. While it is true that many people will use a converter box it is very likely that millions will simply purchase a new television.

Old televisions can still find a purpose however and you may want to consider some options. Every homeowner and every business that has been considering the installation of a security camera system will suddenly have very inexpensive televisions available that they might be able to use. This means that one component of a security system should be readily available. Because obsolete televisions will flood the market it is also possible that a large number of used and outdated video recording devices will also become available at lower prices. As some people have switched to recording systems provided by their cable provider the need for video recorders has dropped.

You might consider donating some old but fully operating televisions and recorders/players to local schools. It is likely that most schools have a number of televisions already, but they possibly could use some. In some cases they might want to connect two televisions in the same classroom through the use of a video splitter to give a better view from different parts of a classroom. They also may want to dedicate one television to the school channel that is typically used for the school "morning show". School system may also be interested in the use of cameras and televisions for the purpose of security. It is important to check on school and/or district policy on the use of such equipment for security before implementing such systems.

Old televisions and recorders/players might prove very useful in a school that has an In-School-Suspension Program. These programs could have more instruction produced on video tape that could then be played directly to a single student seated at a "station" in a "suspension room". The main reason such systems have not been used in the past has been the cost of such equipment, but if equipment is donated then it might be possible to use this as a method of instruction.

Old televisions might still be helpful in nursing homes, child care centers, and other similar organizations. A dram class could perhaps use such a system to record students as they practice or in speech classes as students practice making speeches. Now is the time to consider ways to make use of this equipment before it is all simply discarded. Check with your local waste collection organizations about the proper disposal methods if this will be the end result for your television and find out if they are planning to set up special collection sites and they may have some additional suggestions for locations that may want first crack at your old equipment.