NAB Warns Of Digital TV Box Shortage
Trade group chief issues letter suggesting insufficient converters will be available this January.
By Phillip Swann
Washington, D.C. (May 15, 2007) -- National Association of Broadcasters CEO David Rehr says consumers may not be able to purchase Digital TV converter boxes next January when the federal government begins issuing converter coupons.
In a letter sent yesterday to the Consumer Electronics Association, Rehr expressed concern that retailers will have enough converters to go around.
“It is critical to our collective success that manufacturers build, and retailers have available for sale, digital-to-analog converter boxes by (January 1, 2008)," Rehr said. “As I am sure you are aware, if boxes are not produced and on store shelves on Jan. 1, 2008, significant consumer confusion will result and could negatively impact the overall success of the transition."
The nation is not scheduled to switch from analog to Digital TV until February 17, 2009. At that time, viewers will need a Digital TV, a subscription to a pay TV service or a digital converter box to continue watching TV.
However, this January 1, 2008 is an important date because the federal government is expected then to begin issuing $40 coupons for consumers to buy the digital converter boxes.
No way. The date will stick. Otherwise the spectrum doesn't open up and they can't auction it off. They've already spent the revenue they expect to make from that auction.
I hope you're right dtv_guy. I'd hate to see the date pushed back again. IMO they ought to begin an information blitz at the beginning of the fall season premieres and then again when the NFL season begins. THAT should get a lot of eyeballs.
Both dtv guy and Greg Oen. I perfer A DirecTV HR20-700 DVR for home and Dish Vip622 for RV DVR. They both pick up local hd stations. I hope RV HD distants still satellite tv authority. Our federal government can make a living hell..
David Rehr is a sided person, who may give thumbs down to cable tv and satv. Give's his thumbs up for a antennae only hd receiver set top box.. I hope congress listens to RVers. My 5th wheel trailer would get it's hd locals.
The press reports it "ironic" that NAB sent a letter to CEA, "because the NAB and the CEA are supposed to be leading partners," as they say. Anyone who knows these organizations knows that there is likely to be some frustration as the organizations focus on different goals. While their agenda overlap, their priorities are different.
Behind the scenes, the NAB is gearing up a huge campaign -- with the various media -- to educate the public, and that means spending lots of money. The NAB letter may indicate a certain amount of frustration that CEA is not putting as much on the table -- so far, teir effort seems to amount to a handful of websites. What better way to push them along than to make the point in public?
As far as the analog shutoff date, it will not move. At the recent Congressional hearing on DTV Status, the cmte. invited a speaker to discuss the importance of freeing up the spectrum for public safety. Her impassioned plea that we improve systems to prevent a re-occurance of some of 911's communications failures did not fall on deaf ears.
In addition, Congress and the FCC know very well that the broadcasters and CE mfrs. are all gearing up with a fixed date in mind. To change the date would cause a catastrophic disruption in the transition.
Curious to see how this plays out
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