A group dedicated to helping consumers to understand and prepare for the approaching transition to digital broadcasting has been formed. Dubbed the Digital Television Transition Coalition, the group consists of over 100 companies and organizations from both the public and private sectors.
Members are from areas as diverse as the broadcast, cable and consumer electronics industries; the retail industry; civil rights and grassroots organizations; community groups; trade associations; and state and local government organizations.
"This is a significant milestone for the DTV Transition Coalition," said Jonathan Collegio, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) DTV transition VP. "Through the combined efforts and resources of so many terrific organizations, we are confident we'll be able to give all Americans the information they need to make informed decisions to assure a successful transition to digital television in February 2009."
The coalition posits that millions of U.S. households currently have only over-the-air signals, and many others have over-the-air signals on secondary sets. Both of these groups of viewers would be affected by the transition.
The group is privately funded, and will use basic marketing and public education strategies to enlighten the public about the transition and the steps they may need to take in order to maintain their over-the-air signals, including the analog-to-digital converter box program.
The coalition estimates that "nearly 96 million consumers who subscribe to a cable or satellite service should continue to receive the broadcast signals through their subscription service, and those who own a television set with a digital tuner will be able to continue watching over- the-air broadcasts."
The DTV Coalition website is available in English and Spanish, and features basic information about the transition. Future efforts will include printed materials and public events.
To view a complete list of DTV Coalition members and get more information, visit www.dtvtransition.org.
CATEGORIES
