DTV legislation: on again, off again, but back on track.

We reported to you last week for a legislative push to switch off the analog TV signals in the wake Katrina. They had put the hearings on hold, but appear to be back on track thanks to Senator John McCain. He has lead the push for DTV for some years now and previously helped draft a compromise to turn off signals on January 1st, 2009.

Digital televisions have always had a special place in their digital hearts for the Republican Senator from Arizona. But after Katrina he is lobbing once again for Congress to flip the switch in order to free up the spectrum for emergency workers as soon as January 1st, 2007. The freed up space would allow the government to build a new communication system for first responders and emergency services.

But what about the millions of people that would not be able to use their over-the-air televisions; who is going to help them?

 

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 21st 2005 9:16PM]

I'm not trying to play expert, but it seems unlikely that the bulk of consumers will have replaced their analog sets with digital, whether the cutoff date is '07 or '09. Lots of people are waiting for more program, easier availability of that programming, and price cuts--and those are the people even contemplating buying a new tv at all, let alone digging into HD. Waiting some extra, short increment of time won't solve the problem.

I have limited pity for those who believe that television is a right, that the tv they bought in 1998, or at some garage sale, should be supported by the government until kingdom come. Who should pay for it? The consumer should, just like the consumer bought a tv in the first place, and rabbit ears or cable or whatever. Yes the consequences are absolute, and D/A converters should be available at non-gouging prices. But why do people seem to be shaking their fingers at the government on this one?