Recently, I posted some thoughts on the pending conversion of all video signals to digital. This resulted in an overwhelming chorus of comments (tied for most comments ever on one of my posts), which told me I had struck a raw American nerve.

(Of course, the matter is more serious for some than others. For instance, evolutionists are predicting that, within only a few years, rabbits will no longer be able to hear — basing their prediction on the fact that rabbit ears receive only analog signals on today’s TVs.)

But what concerns me most is this: Listings in the “Free Stuff” section of Craigslist suggest that an increasing number of television sets are committing suicide. Looks for yourself. How else would you explain the number of suddenly-broken TVs that people are setting on their porches and curbs? For example:

* “Non-working 32″ TV. Not sure what is wrong with it. Just want it gone!” [Do you blame the set for giving out, when that's how the owner feels about it?]

* This TV needs a convergence control board. The picture is messed up (like curved and three d looking with the colors side by side).” [Wait a minute. I thought 3-D was the new thing for movies.]

* “36″ Mitisubish TV – It does work but colours are a little off. Maybe an easy fix if you have the skills. We used it for video games. Would work well for a kids DVD or VCR viewer too. Lots of inputs on the back. Cabinet is in nice shape. It’s sitting on the sidewalk in front of the house.” [I wonder how long the cabinet will be in nice shape, sitting out there on the sidewalk.]

* “TV won’t turn on – if you can fix it it is on my porch.” [Actually, I'm not sure if this means we can take it and fix it, or he'd like to have it back if we can fix it on his porch.]

* “TV does not power on. TV is very heavy, about 175 lbs. I will not be able to assist in moving the TV as I am only 7 months out of knee surgery and am not going to risk it. TV is on second floor apartment. Come get it please, can be picked up anytime after 7 PM any day this week.” [There's nothing like 7 months of knee surgery recovery to make you sick of Oprah, I suppose.]

* “Toshiba 48″ Rear Projection TV, no picture — NOW ON THE CURB.” [We actually had a TV like this stop working many years ago. We asked the repair guy, "How do we get rid of it?" He said, "Put it on the curb." Sure enough, next day somebody had already picked it up. Hope springs eternal.]

This hardly scratches the surface of the listings. I just thought you’d want to know.

If you’re in the market for a dead TV, there are some real bargains out there. Who knows? A blank screen may be preferable to what the live TVs are showing.