Washington, D.C.
(April 11, 2007) -- FCC Chairman Kevin Martin reportedly
will propose that cable TV operators be forced to carry both
analog and digital signals broadcast by a local station when the
nation switches to Digital TV.
As of now, cable will be required to carry only the digital signal when the switch occurs on February 17, 2009. Several cable TV operators have said they will continue broadcasting the analog signals for a period of time but Martin apparently wants to make that law.
Many industry observers are fearful that analog TV owners will be unable to watch TV when the transition occurs.
However, if approved, Martin's proposal could hurt cable TV's efforts to expand their high-def lineups. If they are forced to broadcast the analog signals for a longer period of time, they may have less room for more HD channels during that time.
The law could also become a disincentive for cable subscribers to switch from analog to digital because they might think the analog signals will be there indefinitely.
Comcast is now urging customers in some cities to switch from analog to digital, saying that new digital boxes will offer 125 high-def channels in 2008. As part of its persuasion campaign, the cable operator is alerting subscribers that the Digital TV switch is set for 2009.
As of now, cable will be required to carry only the digital signal when the switch occurs on February 17, 2009. Several cable TV operators have said they will continue broadcasting the analog signals for a period of time but Martin apparently wants to make that law.
Many industry observers are fearful that analog TV owners will be unable to watch TV when the transition occurs.
However, if approved, Martin's proposal could hurt cable TV's efforts to expand their high-def lineups. If they are forced to broadcast the analog signals for a longer period of time, they may have less room for more HD channels during that time.
The law could also become a disincentive for cable subscribers to switch from analog to digital because they might think the analog signals will be there indefinitely.
Comcast is now urging customers in some cities to switch from analog to digital, saying that new digital boxes will offer 125 high-def channels in 2008. As part of its persuasion campaign, the cable operator is alerting subscribers that the Digital TV switch is set for 2009.
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Brian Dietz, a spokesman for the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, blasted Martin's plan today, although he did not address its possible impact on HD.
Dietz said the plan would force consumers to "rent a set-top box they may not want." according to Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.
To get both the analog and digital signals, the NCTA seems to be saying, consumers would need a set-top rather than using a CableCard or another means of connecting.
Martin's plan, first reported by Multichannel News this week, would apparently become effective after the nation switches to Digital TV on February 17, 2009.
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Brian Dietz, a spokesman for the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, blasted Martin's plan today, although he did not address its possible impact on HD.
Dietz said the plan would force consumers to "rent a set-top box they may not want." according to Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.
To get both the analog and digital signals, the NCTA seems to be saying, consumers would need a set-top rather than using a CableCard or another means of connecting.
Martin's plan, first reported by Multichannel News this week, would apparently become effective after the nation switches to Digital TV on February 17, 2009.
"We have repeatedly
assured Congress and the federal government that we’ll
continue to deliver broadcast signals to cable’s analog
customers after the February 2009 transition. The right
approach to ensuring a seamless digital transition is a
collaborative process that doesn't reach premature
conclusions that will jeopardize our efforts to assist
cable’s 65 million customers," Dietz said.
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