Digitalics

We Interrupt This Transition…

January 9, 2009 at 10:16 pm 1 comment

…to bring you an important announcement.

In today’s NY Times, former FCC commissioners William Kennard and Michael Powell both urged Congress to delay implementation of the digital TV transition.  There’s been neither enough money set aside to subsidize converter boxes, nor are there enough in stock to satisfy demand anyway.

Oh, and not enough people have taken advantage of the government offer.  Nor is the FCC call center prepared to handle the estimated 1.5 million calls from confused consumers once the switchover occurs.

“Moreover, many people will need help hooking up their converter boxes and setting up their antennas. (Picking up the digital signal may require reorienting or moving an antenna, or buying a more powerful digital antenna.)”

That last part has not generally been communicated to anyone.  At least those likely to be affected.

[Switching to my best Jon Stewart falsetto]:   “Nailed it….”

I agree with the commissioners.  The FCC and other powers-that-be need to do a better job of making this transition happen.  It’s not a simple one, and there are technical elements beyond the skills of many people to understand without help.  Otherwise, as the article states, “If the transition to digital TV goes badly, it will inconvenience millions.”

Disclosure: I hold no position, either long or short, in any stocks mentioned here.

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