Post by dkennedy on Jan 26, 2008 17:34:50 GMT -5
Feds: Digital TV Converters Ready Feb. 18
But agency head downplays need for enforced public service effort.
January 25, 2008
By Phillip Swann, tvpredictions.com
Digital TV converter boxes will be on store shelves by February 18, the acting head of the federal agency responsible for the digital transition said yesterday.
That's according to an article by Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.
On February 17, 2009, all local broadcasters must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to watch television.
The federal government this month began accepting applications for $40 coupons for people to buy Digital TV converter boxes, which are expected to cost from $40-70.
Meredith Atwell, acting chief for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, said her agency will begin issuing the $40 coupons for the converters around mid-Feb. (The NTIA is overseeing the program.)
However, she added that the Federal Communications Commission will not need to require broadcasters to air Public Service Announcements about the transition. She said voluntary efforts by the broadcasters will be sufficient.
Some congressional lawmakers have expressed concerned about the educational program, saying seniors and low-income residents may not get the word about the transition.
As of Wednesday, Baker said 3.7 million coupons has been requested by consumers, according to B&C magazine. Consumers are eligible to receive two coupons each.
But agency head downplays need for enforced public service effort.
January 25, 2008
By Phillip Swann, tvpredictions.com
Digital TV converter boxes will be on store shelves by February 18, the acting head of the federal agency responsible for the digital transition said yesterday.
That's according to an article by Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.
On February 17, 2009, all local broadcasters must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to watch television.
The federal government this month began accepting applications for $40 coupons for people to buy Digital TV converter boxes, which are expected to cost from $40-70.
Meredith Atwell, acting chief for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, said her agency will begin issuing the $40 coupons for the converters around mid-Feb. (The NTIA is overseeing the program.)
However, she added that the Federal Communications Commission will not need to require broadcasters to air Public Service Announcements about the transition. She said voluntary efforts by the broadcasters will be sufficient.
Some congressional lawmakers have expressed concerned about the educational program, saying seniors and low-income residents may not get the word about the transition.
As of Wednesday, Baker said 3.7 million coupons has been requested by consumers, according to B&C magazine. Consumers are eligible to receive two coupons each.