Wait! House Holds to Digital TV Deadline

Reader Comments
Back to blog

Hi everyone
Im new to the site. really looking forward to meeting new people, seeing what they have to say and just really chilling on some social network other than facebook. bleh. like i said, i am me, now who are you?
so how is everyone doing?? :)

onlinepayday of AL 4:35PM April 10, 2010

My limited knowledge of the digital tv switch is this:
The "first responders", differing policing agencise, government agencies, emergency services, and military have been pressing the need for a communication band that could be universally shared, with security, since the start of the 80s (I retired from the military with 38 years and was in part of those discussions). The broadcast bands, used by the analog communications spectrum was decided to be the most logical solution.
After "Nine-Eleven", the push became serious. During the emergency, groups were having to use wireless (non secure) phones and radios (even foot couriers) to communicate.
Even though the digital broadcasting technique was refined and ready in the U.S. first (I was reading articles back in the 90s that the switch was being fought by corporations here) it was first implemented in Japan and then Europe (* score 1 for the corporations who delayed starting the purchase of equipment and the upgrades necessary *)
During my first tour of "Iraqi Freedom" (in 2003) we were briefied that the switch would happen in 2004 and we would be able to take our (tested) "universal" communication devices out of warehouses and then be able to communicate will all the necessay civilian and military brances without all of the swithcing and waiting between operational branches. When I was back in 2004 (IF2), we were told to turn in the communication devices we had been issued, due to delays in the rollout.
After returning home, I observed that the delay was not caused by the population at large, but by poor communication of what was to happen and no urgency in the push, from the government (as advisedby the corporations) to roll out the changes. (this was in 2005). At this point, it was still not monitarily appealing for the change to occur.
Now, the hardware is in place, the pricing has been adjusted (up) for the consumer to catch the newer signal (even though digital signals are supposed to be less expensive and easier to maintain than analog), and the corporations are eager to cut expenses by eliminating hardware, maintenance personnel, and older properties. So, we SHOULD be ready for the switch and turn over the analog band for reissuance in different areas.
Bottom line. Yes we should go with the change. But, the shame for the delay is not with the consumer that has not purchased a converter box or put out their nex three years of vacation and/or tax return to purchase a newer digital display receiver and display (tv), but with the urgency not being conveyed to those consumers by those "in charge" so that everything was cozy and "OK" fro the corporations.
I do not even watch TV, bu I converted years back, only because of the information I was aware of, above. Don't knock the majority that have not changed over. They will be the ones without a link to what is going on in the larger world, not the broadcasting giants.

sitting&watching of MS 2:19PM February 15, 2009

The Feb. 17th Deadline should be the end of it all. Television providers have been forced to do their part by the Government, why shouldn't the Government hold up their end. They are the one's who set the deadline in the first place, and now they're not prepared?! Both sides of the isle just seem to be makin' it up as they go along for the past few decades. Where are the statesmen of the past, who thought an issue through and made an intelligent decision? We're beating the proverbial "dead horse" with the fourth generation of NTSC. The rest of the world has had better for decades. As we hurl into the twenty-first century, I'm beggin' these people to give up their dial-up ISP's and their Betamax VCR's and move on to the next millenium. When Obama tried to move into the White House, they still have dial-up internet in some sections of the building! Are you KIDDING ME?! If you're still watching TV with "rabbit ears" with "tin" foil on them, you should be ashamed to be an American. Where is that conspicuous consumption that has made "U.S." the envy of the entire world?! Come on America. Give those other countries a reason to hate "U.S." again, just like they did in the good ol' days.
Signed,
a 45 year old who weeps for the future.

Bill of PA 3:42AM February 07, 2009

I'm sorry --- for many it's not as simple as getting a box --- many will also need antennas. This is expensive --- for folks living on Social Security or a fixed income in that range, that is just too expensive to do --- my mother used to run out of food at the end of the month!
How can anyone support taking TV away from folks --- it used to be TOTALLY free. Now you can hardly find a place where it's available without paying for cable. The whole thing has simply gone too far. Basic networks and Public TV should be free to the public.

Fedora of MO 1:23PM February 01, 2009

Maybe the digital industry needs a bailout package. Lord knows that the Democrats were hoping they would get a "FREE" converter box instead of a (2) $40 coupons. Yeah, I agree with one post, you people have had well over a yeat to prepare. When I signed up Feb 2008, it clearly stated who would get them first and went on the say..."When they are gone...they're gone!
We use both converters, but bought a digital TV and went with DirecTV. Hell, for $38 a month, you get well over 80 channels not including the shopping, infomercials, and God stuff. Do it people. Do it now! Just do it!!!

Have a Life and you should too! of TX 1:02PM January 31, 2009

I will believe the changeover when it happens. Does anyone even remember the original deadline? It was February 2002 for the commercial stations and 2003 for the ETV stations.

Luxomni of GA 9:11AM January 31, 2009

Please. How long have we had to get ready for this changeover? I misunderstood originally and applied for my coupons in February of '08 not realizing that since I have satellite TV I don't need the converter. For those of you who voted for Obama, that was a year ago. How long do we go on catering to the few who can't seem to figure it out? Oh, that's right, at least 4 years. Maybe 8.

Rob Smith of SC 3:27PM January 30, 2009

To Ken of Va.: The bill came to the House vote under a special rule that required a two-thirds majority to pass, which it didn't get.
The special rule was required because House leaders were trying to rush through the Senate-passed bill without going through normal House procedures. .

David LaGesse of MO 10:06AM January 29, 2009

What can we say to the 6 million who haven't gotten coupons and whose TV's will grow dim? "Hey, lardass. Go get some exercise."

Luther of IL 10:24PM January 28, 2009

Mr. LaGesse,
For those of us who don't understand the arcane workings of our Congress, could you explain how the 178 House Republicans could defeat a bill over the support of the 255 House Democrats? If only they could have performed this magic trick on the stimulus bill!

Ken of VA 6:41PM January 28, 2009