BREAKING: Digital TV transition pushed back

January 26, 2009 at 10:48pm

Those freaking out about the impending switch from analog to digital television have scored a break: the Senate today passed a bill that pushes the changeover date from February 17 to June 12. (For all the details click here.) Lawmakers apparently feared that people are still unprepared for the great digital leap forward.

The move isn't surprising given all the confusion and misinformation surrounding the changeover (I have a digital TV AND cable and I still see the warning message that's only supposed to pop up on soon-to-be-outmoded TVs). And studies suggest that there are up to 20 million households -- mostly the poor and the elderly -- that have not gotten the equipment to prepare for the change, although other research puts that number closer to 6 million.

Obviously that's a problem, but at the same time, NOBODY should be unaware that this was coming. They've been talking about the switch to digital since I was in college, and I graduated 10 years ago. If you don't know that you need a digital converter box, a digital television, or cable, you must be living in a hole in the ground. And ultimately, what's the worst that could happen? People suddenly find themselves unable to watch new episodes of "Heroes" or "American Idol"? Boo freaking hoo. It's not like we're talking about the necessities of life here. And the fact that part of the motivation for pushing back the move is that millions of Americans are waitlisted for the coupons the government has been sending out to cover the $40 converter box is similarly worrisome. We're in a serious economic crisis, and we're spending millions of dollars to help people watch TV? That doesn't seem right to me when people are losing their jobs left and right.

Comments for "BREAKING: Digital TV transition pushed back" (5)

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Steve said on Jan. 27, 2009 at 7:57am

Are they going to do anything to fix the fact that the digital signal stinks? I bought the converter box and a new antenna and can't get any stations at all. Without the box, I get all the locals, plus stations in Batavia, Buffalo, and on a good day Syracuse.

They tried to fix what wasn't broken.

Jeremy said on Jan. 27, 2009 at 10:34am

The converter boxes cost $60 and the government's coupons are only worth $40. Which means anyone who buys one is stuck footing the remaining $20. That's my biggest gripe.
The technology isn't that great either -- there's random pixelation, even when a set receives a good signal. And there are reports that some rural areas get zero reception.
I'm all for technological advancement, and the switch could have some long-term benefits for communications and such. I just wish they would have done more to ensure that the new technology functions as well as what it's replacing, and that all Americans can afford the switch -- some families just don't have the money to bridge the gap between the government coupons and the actual cost of a converter.

Dave said on Feb. 02, 2009 at 5:22pm

I agree with the two of you... I'm happy with the way things are. i.e If you want analog you can get it, or if you want digital you can get it.

Anthony said on Feb. 16, 2009 at 9:37pm

Geez Jeremy, you're getting a 40 dollar coupon and you're griping about shelling out $20.00 on your end. So don't watch, if that's the case. What can I tell you?

David C. said on Feb. 17, 2009 at 3:51pm

Mandated! Get it, the government gave no choice. Let us, the government take away your free analog air waves. See how fast, We the People will run to the store with the $40 coupon. Or, let's toss the old analog TV out and get a new digital TV. Were only talking a few hundred bucks. Nah, the box is OK, it's just another fixture to plug into. Oh, and we better upgrade the antennae. Don't forget to bring the other $20 bill. Do they still have the rotary antennae? That can't be too much. Wait why didn't they just give the police & rescue the digital air waves!

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