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Joined: 9/8/2008
Posts: 7
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Former FCC Chairmen Michael Powell and William Kennard, and now the Obama transition team, have called for a delay of the DTV transition, citing a major lack of consumer preparation,
Is this practical? Some Congressional Republicans have already slammed the idea, with Rep. Joe Barton of Texas—who has long ridiculed others’ concern over the transition—accusing the incoming president of panicking over the situation. Others have said it will lead to consumer confusion. And even broadcasters have been lukewarm about pushing the date back.
What about other spectrum users, availability of tower crews, and the musical chairs of channel assignments? Is a DTV delay good policy?
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Joined: 1/9/2009
Posts: 1
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There's already a "night light" law, signed by President Bush last month (the SAFER Act), that will provide 30 days of emergency information and DTV information to analog viewers in an estimated 75 percent of the country for 30 days after the transition is complete. People who are confused or just procrastinated might miss a few days of "Oprah," but they'll be able to receive emergency information on their TVs. And from what I understand, radios will still work. And telephones. And the Internet. And books, if someone gets that desperate for entertainment.
Delaying the end of the DTV transition will only confuse consumers more and cost broadcasters and taxpayers a lot more money. Believe me, no matter what date you set, there will be an abundant supply of people who still aren't ready.
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Joined: 1/10/2009
Posts: 1
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We have been on the air at full power digital now since 2003. Our analog transmitter is around 30 years old and many parts for it are no longer available. Like you say, there will always be a large number of people who are not ready no matter what the date. We are counting on the February shut down.
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Joined: 1/12/2009
Posts: 1
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For our station the concern is for the procrastinators who may have antenna issues and need an upgrade....February in the NE is no time to be on a roof playing with antennas. So if there is a delay we hope it’s only long enough for those issues to be addressed. But that said, there will always be procrastinators and we had not budgeted (in these tough times) for continued operation of 2 transmitters. We are also moving back to our analog frequency for post deadline operations...hoping for better coverage (top-mounted antenna Vs side-mounted etc) and a new more reliable/energy efficient transmitter. You do have to wonder about stations making changes or waiting for channels, crew scheduling, reduced analog operations due to an antenna swap etc. and the spectrum auction winners. No refunds for them from the Fed's if the money has already been spent on coupons...
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