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FCC to publicize digital switch-over across U.S.

18 August 2008 23:52 by James "Dela" Delahunty | 3 comments

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it plans to boost the awareness of the digital switch-over across the United States, scheduled to occur on February 17th, 2009, not so far away anymore. Members of the FCC will travel to 80 cities across the country, attending meetings and public events. Some "soft tests" may be carried out in some areas to test whether consumers are ready for the switch.

"We intend to take whatever actions are necessary to try to continue to minimize the burden that's going to be placed on average consumers around the country," FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said at a briefing. The switch to digital television signals frees up the public airwaves for other uses, such as by emergency services.

Publicizing the transition effectively is vital as millions of Americans own, and watch programming on analog TV sets, which won't be useful in the territory after February 17th without a converter box. The federal government is providing a $40 discount voucher for purchases of converter boxes as part of a $1.5 billion program.

Surveys on the public's awareness of the impending transition have seen mixed results. One recent survey showed that consumers were more aware that the change is going to occur, while another pointed out confusion among consumers about what televisions will need converter boxes.

If you are confused, then try: Preparing for the US DTV Transition.

Permalink to this article

DTV penetration in U.S. and Western Europe to surge (23 August 2008)

British government in copyright dispute? (23 August 2008)

New guide: Preparing for the US DTV Transition (15 August 2008)

US consumers play game of find the DTV converter (8 August 2008)

UK DTV transition - same problems different country (27 June 2008)

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Discuss this article!
CF01 (Junior Member) 19 August 2008 11:16
i do like the fact that they are giving a coupon [ + quote]
slickwill (Newbie) 19 August 2008 20:17
I want to know why the FCC is so concerned about informing everyone about the switch to digital television? I can't really think of any morally good reasons, except to make the networks and advertisers happy by keeping as much viewers glued to the tube and buy there products. I myself rarely watch TV anymore, except when new episodes of Family, Simpsons, etc are aired on Sundays. Saying that it's possible to live without TV and do something more productive with ones time. (Such as reading and article and posting a comment about it as part of a discussion.) [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 19 August 2008 20:18
drach (Newbie) 20 August 2008 13:39
*Quote:* I myself rarely watch TV anymore, except when new episodes of Family, Simpsons, etc are aired on Sundays. Saying that it's possible to live without TV and do something more productive with ones time. (Such as reading and article and posting a comment about it as part of a discussion.) I agree completely. I stopped watching TV during the writers strike, and now i watch about 1 hour per week or less. I think that it is much more stimulating to read a book or get outside and ride a bike, or participate in an interesting discussion than to watch TV, which, IMHO has become little more than a wasteland of reruns and reality shows. [ + quote]