FCC COMMISSIONER URGES TEST BEFORE DIGITAL SWITCH

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FCC COMMISSIONER URGES TEST BEFORE DIGITAL SWITCH
Wednesday, January 2 2008

An FCC commissioner has suggested that the commission conduct a test of the switchover to digital from analog TV before the national cutoff takes place on February 17, 2009. In a statement on Monday, Michael Copps, a Democratic commissioner, said, "It is unfathomable to me that we are planning to turn off every analog signal in the country on a single day without running at least one test market first." Broadcasters have been criticized for not mounting a large-scale campaign to inform the public that they will no longer be able to receive analog signals over the air after the cut-off date. However, opponents of the test suggested by Copps worry that it might result in further delaying the switch and note that many companies have deposited billions of dollars in advance of the auction of the analog airwaves on January 24 of this year. Some 22 million $40 coupons become available today (Wednesday) that will help owners of analog sets buy converter boxes that are expected to sell for $50-$70. Consumers can apply online at www.dtv2009.gov or by phone at 1-888-DTV-2009

DIGITAL GAINS FEW CONVERTS AMONG RETAILERS
Thursday, October 18 2007
Although as part of the government's plan to switch all TV stations to digital by Feb. 17, 2009, owners of analog-only sets can apply for coupons giving them $40 off on $60 digital-to-analog converters, only two major retailers have agreed to stock the converters, it emerged during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday that only two major retailers have agreed to stock the converters -- RadioShack and Best Buy." John Kneuer, head of the National Telecommunications (more)

UNIVISION INAUGURATES INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON SWITCH-OVER
Monday, October 1 2007
With many studies indicating that the overwhelming majority of consumers still have no knowledge of the fact that their analog TV sets will become obsolete on Feb. 17, 2009 unless they purchase special analog-to-digital conversion boxes, the Spanish-language network Univision has announced that it will become the first network to launch a campaign to inform its viewers of the change. Noting that the percentage of Hispanics who watch TV via antennas on their roofs is (more)

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