Feds: Digital TV Converters Ready Feb. 18
But agency head downplays need for enforced public service effort.
By Swanni
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.
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
Click
TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni
Sez.
©
TVPredictions.com
____________________________________________
Swanni (Phillip Swann) is
president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in
dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox
News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The
Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The
Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at
swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
Click
TVPredictions.com
to read more news and features on TV
technology.