Decisionmark Corporation last week announced a new cross-industry supported Web site to aid consumers in finding information on digital television. The Web site, www.CheckHD.com, explains what digital TV is, what equipment is required to receive it and what programs are available in high definition format. The site includes features allowing visitors to find local retailers selling DTV equipment and see customized information on what channels are available in their area. The information includes location-based recommendations on antennas.
Broadcast networks and consumer electronics companies are supporting www.CheckHD.com. Gary Shapiro, CEA President and CEO, commented, "Consumer education has been one of the highest hurdles to clear in the HDTV transition. CheckHD incorporates the efforts and materials of many into one consumer-friendly site that will help push the country to the DTV transition finish line." NAB President and CEO Edward Fritts said, "Broadcasters have pioneered the transition to digital and high definition television. Collectively, stations have spent billions upgrading to the next generation of TV. The challenge now is to overcome consumer confusion, and we endorse creative initiatives like CheckHD.com aimed at educating Americans on the benefits of this technology." Robert Howell, with antenna manufacturer Winegard, praised the site, "It's great to see CheckHD.com helping dispel consumer confusion regarding digital and HD broadcast TV reception. We're pleased that our new SquareShooter digital antenna is a part of the CheckHD solution, as will our newest HD antennas to be released at CES 2005."
For comments from executives at CBS, Fox, NBC, Capital Broadcasting, Pegasus Broadcast Television and Sinclair Broadcast Group, see the Decisionmark news release Decisionmark Announces CheckHD.com: Complete Digital TV Consumer Education Resource. For news on the FCC's plans for educating the public about digital television, see TV Technology News Bytes article FCC Launches DTV Consumer Initiative.
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