It appears that the boob tube is about to go the way of the 8-track. The cathode TV tube, at which the nation has stared in semi-comatose neglect for over 60 years, is on its way to becoming just one more obsolete wreck in the relentless forward march of high tech.
“After the holidays, the days of picture-tube TVs are gone,” said the TV buyer for Costco. “One year from now, we will not sell picture-tube TVs.”
What hath wrought the boob’s demise? The ever-lowering price of widescreen plasma and LCD TVs. For instance, a 42-inch plasma TV is now available for less than $2,000, and small LCD TVs will soon sell at prices pretty close to their equivalent boob tubes.
Now, we get to the really touchy question. Since we’re headed for TVs with better pictures, will they come with better programs?
As my brother once said to me, “I have to get a new TV. Too many people are dying in mine.”
Tom Attea, humorist and creator of NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "great humor and ebullience" and "good, genuine laughs." |
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