James Delahunty
18 Aug 2008 23:52
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.