FCC Acting Chairman acknowledges seamless DTV switch isn't happening, sets open meeting for February 5
By Richard Lawler 
posted Feb 2nd 2009 3:24PM
posted Feb 2nd 2009 3:24PM
Saying what everyone else has already likely figured out, acting FCC Chairman Mike Copps recently issued a statement to the FCC Advisory committee indicating there is no way we can possibly have a seamless switch to digital TV broadcasts, whether it ends up delayed or not, but that we could definitely use the extra time to get ready. At least according to him, now that he's had a chance to take a look, things are even worse than they appeared, although the benefits will, in time, be worth it. You already know the deal, that many people will lose reception even with DTV compatible equipment, among other problems that required more preparation over the last several years. As it is, until something changes they're still girding for a switch this month, and the FCC will hold an open Commission meeting on the 5th with the aim of providing more information on the subject. Check out the read links for the PDFs, does that change your mind about a possible delay?Read - Remarks of Acting Chairman Copps to the FCC Consumer Advisory Committee.
Read - FCC To Hold Open Commission Meeting Thursday, February 5, 2009.
Honestly, I don't care either way anymore how soon the switch happens. I'm getting a nice OTA signal (west of Denver), and just deleted the analogs from my channel listing. Not planning on buying any sort of white space device any time soon, and I don't really have a use for a 4G network for the next 6 years or so anyway (I'll use it once they get the planned lite-rail station done near my home, in 2015, and start commuting by train instead of car).
That said, I've got to agree with the Chairman here. There's no 100% foolproof way to do the transition and not upset a whole bunch of people, and the longer we delay, the more money it costs more and more people.
I'm very tired of hearing all the educational announcements regarding the move to digital. I cannot see having to listen to it for another 3 to 4 months! The citizens were given plenty of time to react. Using the converter coupon, the converter cost me $8 (shipping and handling).
I agree that the longer we wait, the more money will be wasted. Instead, allocate additional funds for the converter program and possibly offer a "converter subsidy" for citizens unable (with proof) to afford the shipping and handling charges.
I, for one, did not realize there were still CC problems out there. That's actually a pretty legimate reason to delay in my opinion. There are a lot of people out there that rely upon closed captioning for safety information, and like it or not, it's a far more important function of the TV system than "Heroes" in HD will ever be :)
The other thing I read here that I liked is what appears to be a willingness to reevaluate the frequency and power allocations. This certainly won't happen before the analog cutoff, whenever that happens to be, but I think it's an important consideration to make. I don't know about everyone's area, but the FCC did a lousy job with the digital assignments in my area. Very little thought went into it at all, and it could be optimized a great deal more, not only to expand coverage but ease OTA reception of mutliple tower locations in general.
Whatever. Throw the switch, and revisit what needs revisiting later on. Yeah, everyone will be pissed at you. Everyone's already pissed at you, so what difference does it make?
FCC Chairman can take it up his butt if he postpones the transition... Opps, did I say that out loud? ;o)
Thanks for posting those FCC links! So many articles state that this or that was said, but so few give us the chance to read it for ourselves. Good work!
Think of the extra confusion for the average person who's been seeing all of the scary commercials broadcasting the date of february 17th. Comcast has done their part trying to get everyone to sign up for cable service by that date.
Just flip the switch and fix what's broken, because there's no way to fix everything for everyone when you don't really know who needs help, and the 94% of people that don't need to do anything they haven't already are sick of the warnings.
Anyone with half a brain new 15 years ago that when the analog shutoff finally came, a large number of americans would freak out as they had been to lazy to go out and get digital. It was NEVER going to go smoothly. Sometimes progress must be forced. I'm sorry, but I have no sympathy for the old or those in the ghetto. I grew up in the ghetto, and despite what they tell you, it's not that hard to get out. I resent being held back by such a small portion of the population. Just take an extra 6 hour shift at McDonalds and you've got enough cash for a converter. Done. That said, I know my great grandmother barely survives on her late husbands pension, so I'm all for helping out the senior citizens get a converter (even though we pay for her to have cable). There is just no way for this to go "smoothly". Many will do nothing until they are forced, then we can have people ready to explain you need a box, if you can't afford one, show proof of income and get a freebee. Personally, I think the coupon program was horrible. ANYONE qualifies for a coupon? Most of those who got them could have easily afforded one, they were just greedy and wanted free stuff. The converter program should have been administered via social services and dependant on income.
FLIP
THE
SWITCH
Please just get it over with.
The plan ALL ALONG should have been to tell people two things and two things only:
A - If you watch tv with an antenna you need a box (even though we know that isn't true. It avoids all the confusion and most people get one anyway)
B - As long as you have cable or satellite you do NOT need a box.
Then once a week they should have had a 5min video during the local news showing how to hook up the new box. Then we would avoid all the people that don't know what they are doing.