Rich Fiscus
15 Feb 2008 23:46
When analog TV broadcasts are shut off for good in the U.S. in almost exactly 1 year (Februrary 17, 2009) some people with analog televisions will be using their new DTV converters, while others will find themselves suddenly without reception entirely. A third group, though, will be avoiding the problem altogether and just signing up for Cable Television service.
According to a report from Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. on Friday, around 1.4 million households will probably switch to pay TV service as a result of the digital TV transition - enough to significantly lift the growth rates for the cable industry in 2009, compared to recent years.
Watchdog group Consumers Union is keeping an eye on cable and satellite providers to ensure they don't try to boost subscriptions by spreading misinformation about the transition. So far no such tricks have been spotted, but senior counsel Chris Murray says "We want the folks in the marketplace to know that we're watching."
If you're in the U.S. and need up to two of the 33 million available vouchers, you can apply online at http://www.dtv2009.gov or call the 24-hour hot line, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). You can also fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632) or mail one to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. The program expires March 31, 2009.