Washington, D.C. (December 29, 2008) -- Nearly 20 percent of full-powered local TV station will be unable to reach at least two percent of their viewers after this February's Digital TV switch.
That's according to a Federal Communications Commission report, as reported on by the Associated Press.
The two percent likely to drop out now receive their local stations via analog signals. However, on February 17, 2009, the nation's full-powered station will switch from analog to digital.
Industry officials and congressional lawmakers are concerned that many viewers will not take steps to receive the new digital signals, such as buying a new Digital TV or installing a digital converter box.
See Swanni's Prediction: Network TV Ratings to Plunge
The AP notes that some viewers could also lose signals because they will be unable to receive them due to the 'cliff effect.' Unlike analog signals, digital signals are received clearly or not at all; so if a viewer lives near a tall building, a mountain or local interference, his digital reception could be zapped.
This has led some analysts to say that the industry is not doing enough to promote antennas with greater strength to capture digital and/or distant signals.
The FCC report did not that some stations might gain viewers after the transition because they will reach more people.
The AP writes that the National Association of Broadcasters refused to comment on the FCC report.
Comment on this article!
That's according to a Federal Communications Commission report, as reported on by the Associated Press.
The two percent likely to drop out now receive their local stations via analog signals. However, on February 17, 2009, the nation's full-powered station will switch from analog to digital.
Industry officials and congressional lawmakers are concerned that many viewers will not take steps to receive the new digital signals, such as buying a new Digital TV or installing a digital converter box.
See Swanni's Prediction: Network TV Ratings to Plunge
The AP notes that some viewers could also lose signals because they will be unable to receive them due to the 'cliff effect.' Unlike analog signals, digital signals are received clearly or not at all; so if a viewer lives near a tall building, a mountain or local interference, his digital reception could be zapped.
This has led some analysts to say that the industry is not doing enough to promote antennas with greater strength to capture digital and/or distant signals.
The FCC report did not that some stations might gain viewers after the transition because they will reach more people.
The AP writes that the National Association of Broadcasters refused to comment on the FCC report.
Comment on this article!
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