Reply #103: Here's an interesting article on this --- [View All]

[defendandprotect]

EXCERPTS . . .
(Unlike many other countries, the United States is converting both to digital signals and high-definition pictures at the same time = confusion.)

Also see the Wilmington Test below this ....

QUOTE:

NOW... Just how certain is the February transition to digital-only, no full-power-analog TV?

There will be a new Administration, a new FCC, a new Senate and House, new committees and committee chairmen in Congress by January 2009, which this year comes before February 2009, so anything is possible ("Expect The Unexpected." -Big Brother, CBS). Our best GUESS on New Years Day 2009 (and we hope we're wrong)?

Ok, what do we have here? On or before 17 February, all full-power TV stations will attempt to kill their analog transmission (most stations) or flash-cut from analog to digital signals (a small number of stations). Viewers will either need a Digital TV, or a converter box, or a pay TV service (FiOS, Cable, or Satellite) to watch digital TV. However, our opinion is that there is a disaster looming when the transition is attempted. The government is not ready; no one is truly in charge; millions of viewers aren't ready; digital TV has a number of flaws; and many TV stations aren't really ready.

Millions of Americans may choose to stop watching TV entirely; or they will be unable to watch because of various technical complications, including problems with new antennas and with the converter boxes. This will cause millions of people to (literally) jam the phone lines attempting to complain to their congressmen, senators, the FCC, local stations, networks, and local media. And does Washington really need yet another crisis?

Voter anger (and media hysteria) will be intense; Congress will be forced to revisit the transition and try to find a quick fix. But there are none; 2009 will be a terrible year for everyone involved in the analog-digital transition. This transition was poorly conceived ("analog nightlight" six weeks before the transition?) and even more poorly co-ordinated by government and broadcasters. Literally, no one has been in charge, other than the $$$.

So they'll try it, it will be a disaster. At that point, look for the Obama Administration to delay the phase out of full-power analog TV to 2011 or 2012. The summer of 2011 would allow the US and Canada to transition together. And we'd have 2½ more years to fix some of the fubars and let the economy heal. But that's just our opinion.

(However, many viewers who now get their TV from over-the-air antennas MAY stampede to subscribe to their cable provider or FiOS or a direct broadcast satellite service prior to the transition (or very shortly thereafter). Because they will be desperate for a simple way to keep watching TV, regardless of cost. It really depends on the economy in six weeks from today. So we'll just have to wait and see and hope.)