Study: Digital TV Switch May Rob Millions of Signals
Market research firm says the government is underestimating the problem.
By Swanni
The nation is scheduled to switch to all-digital signals on February 17, 2009. But Centris says that gaps in broadcast coverage areas could mean that 5.9 million homes would receive fewer channels than they do now.
Additionally, even viewers who buy Digital TV converters could also experience signal disruption -- and may be forced to get off-air antennas even if they subscribe to a cable or satellite service.
The group adds that the federal government is downplaying the difficulties in making the switch from analog to digital.
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 feds are offering two $40 coupons for consumers to buy the converter boxes, which are expected to range in price from $40 to $70. The boxes will enable an analog TV to display the new digital signals.
Although federal officials have said the converter boxes should ensure no signal disruption, Centris said its study found that digital signals will not travel as far as believed, particularly in areas populated by trees and mountains.
The company estimates that as many as 10 percent of homes in St. Louis could lose digital reception due to area hills, with the Philadelphia area losing five percent.
"For the people with rabbit-ear antennas, I would say at least 50 percent won't get the channels they were getting," the study said, according to the Boston Globe.
The Centris study adds more fuel to the argument that the Digital TV transition will leave millions without TV next year. Some lawmakers have also expressed fear that seniors and low-income residents will not hear about the transition and therefore fail to get new Digital TVs or digital converter boxes.
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