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First large scale DTV switch in the US occurs today

17 February 2009 9:50 by Rich "vurbal" Fiscus | 2 comments

The biggest milestone to date in the US DTV transition will be passed today. Before midnight tonight 421 analog TV broadcasts will be shut down. Combined with the 220 stations that have already switched that will mean more than a third of broadcasters are already all digital.

Despite the passage of the DTV Delay Act earlier this month many broadcasters have chosen to stick with the original February 17 transition deadline. There were actually 491 stations still planning to switch today. The FCC initially denied 123 such requests. After several broadcasters appealed that number was reduced to 70, with the other 53 allowed to continue as planned today.

Speaking about his agency's decision, acting Chairman Michael Copps said "This is not just about whether people can watch their favorite reality show. It�s about whether consumers have access to vital emergency alerts, weather, news and public affairs.�

If you're not sure whether a station in your area is switching now you can find that information on the FCC's website. It's available either in an Excel spreadsheet or a PDF document. Stations are sorted by Nielsen (TV ratings) market.

If you're still not sure you're prepared for the switch you can make sure by reading our guide on Preparing for the DTV transition.

Permalink to this article | Topic: Lawsuits & Legislation

At least 700,000 people still have questions about DTV transition (14 June 2009)

D-Day for DTV transition in the US finally arrives (12 June 2009)

Man, dead since 1559, receives TV bill (14 March 2009)

NTIA promises to clear DTV Coupon backlog (5 March 2009)

Is the FCC too optimistic about the first mass DTV transition? (23 February 2009)

FCC turns down 123 requests to stop analog service on February 17 (12 February 2009)

A third of US broadcasters still plan to be all digital on February 17 (10 February 2009)

CEA says DTV converters may run out within 2 weeks (9 February 2009)

Finger pointing over DTV delay begins at the FCC (5 February 2009)

DTV delay gets support from police and fire officials, broadcasters and telecoms (4 February 2009)

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Discuss this article!
SuckRaven (Junior Member) 17 February 2009 11:21
*Shrugs shoulders* [ + quote]
kubapolak (Junior Member) 17 February 2009 20:00
I know there are more important things lawmakers could be doing! [ + quote]