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Calls for delaying digital TV switchover - Page 2

post #31 of 155
1/14/09 at 4:13pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

That's a natural, expected result of the DTV standard. Analog OTA was designed to be used with set top antennas. DTV OTA was designed to be used with rooftop antennas. Whatever you get from rabbit ears is therefore bonus. This was a huge miscalculation in my book, but it's so fundamental that delaying the switchover a few months won't solve the problem. It's going to take a sustained investment in infrastructure overtime to restore OTA TV service to its current levels.
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post #32 of 155
1/16/09 at 4:04am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

If I was feeling mischievous I'd suggest feeding the audio from Orson Welles' radio broadcast of WAR OF THE WORLDS over the air on transition day and have people listen to that while their screens go fuzzy.

It would be interesting to see if the public is really any smarter than they were 60 years ago.
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post #33 of 155
1/16/09 at 6:32am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
If I was feeling mischievous I'd suggest feeding the audio from Orson Welles' radio broadcast of WAR OF THE WORLDS over the air on transition day and have people listen to that while their screens go fuzzy.

It would be interesting to see if the public is really any smarter than they were 60 years ago.
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post #34 of 155
1/17/09 at 11:20am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
If I was feeling mischievous I'd suggest feeding the audio from Orson Welles' radio broadcast of WAR OF THE WORLDS over the air on transition day and have people listen to that while their screens go fuzzy.

Oh. My. God.

Steve, you are my hero of the day. That is an absolutely BRILLIANT suggestion! The Joker (referring to the Batman villain) would be proud of you! If I wore a hat, I'd tip it to you.

Jan
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post #35 of 155
1/26/09 at 10:31am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

It looks like the second attempt to delay the switch has a much better chance of passing:

Washington Post - Senate Nears Deal To Delay Digital TV
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post #36 of 155
1/26/09 at 12:10pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

I would be surprised they do pass that bill. But it is true that a lot of people aren't ready. What was interesting in that article is that stations could turn off analog before the new June deadline. That would be a way to wake up some people.
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post #37 of 155
1/26/09 at 1:35pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

I think it's foolish to delay. If people aren't ready by Feb 17, they won't be ready by June 12.
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post #38 of 155
1/26/09 at 2:08pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by Malcolm R
I think it's foolish to delay. If people aren't ready by Feb 17, they won't be ready by June 12.
I think one of the main reasons/"excuses" for the delay is outdoor antenna installation. People waiting until the last minute to get things done will have an easier time installing rooftop antennas in June compared to on snow-covered rooftops in February. Also, this doesn't mean that a lot of stations won't shut off their signals on February 17th, if they'll lose money by keeping their analog signal. They are certainly allowed to shut off their signal; it's their call if they want to wait it out so viewers don't get inconvenienced, or if they want to shut off the analog signal to save costs but potentially angering a lot of viewers.
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post #39 of 155
1/26/09 at 7:33pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Well, it passed the Senate. If I had to guess - its going to be delayed. I find this incredibly stupid.
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post #40 of 155
1/26/09 at 7:39pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

definitely incredibly stupid.....
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post #41 of 155
1/26/09 at 7:42pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by Malcolm R
I think it's foolish to delay. If people aren't ready by Feb 17, they won't be ready by June 12.
Exactly. Four months isn't going to do anything when the people are either ignoring or are unaware of the situation. The only thing that will get their attention is when their TV doesn't work so you have to make the switch to 'force' those people to ever make the change.

Plus, if Neilsen is correct and there's 6 million people not ready for the switchover, that's a drop in the bucket when you compare it to the people who are ready.
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post #42 of 155
1/26/09 at 7:58pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

~May 20-22, 2009

"Washington Post - Senate Passes Bill to Delay Digital Switchover to October 5th"

"As the current four mont delay demonstrated, the truth is that we are not poised to do this transition right," Rockefeller said in a statement. "We are only weeks away from doing it dreadfully wrong -- and leaving consumers with the consequences. By delaying the transition until October, we give the FCC another chance to do it right."
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post #43 of 155
1/26/09 at 8:32pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

This article is before the vote, but it does outline why the negatives of further delays:

The Associated Press: Delay in analog TV shutdown presents challenges

I've heard that several stations around here may go ahead with the switch.
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post #44 of 155
1/27/09 at 7:19am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Here's the new public service announcement:

YouTube - Gilda Radner Nevermind
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post #45 of 155
1/27/09 at 7:26am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

PBS also mentions a very interesting dilemna with the delay. Broadcasters literally would have to renew contracts with those that use to provide signals to them that was scheduled to expire on 2/17/09. A delay into June on any month later than that can cost them millions. Very interesting point from The Associated Press regarding emergency reponse teams and how they were going to use the analog signal available for contacting emergency staff. Not sure this was thought through when this decision was made. The President and Congress is basing a decision on the few that effects the many.

Now most of us as you know have digital cable or satellite so we won't be effected in anyway. Those that have prepared for the change over and is ready for the change will probably be disappointed. I agree with Malcolm R. those that are not ready for 2/17/09 will not be ready in June or a later month. What's wrong with those that purchase a box with out a coupon, save their receipts and when money is available, send out vouchers for a mail in rebate. That way people get the discount needed and you don't delay the transition and finally billions are not wasted in advertising getting everyone ready and educated for Digital t.v.
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post #46 of 155
1/27/09 at 7:53am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

If they delay again I'm going to be thinking it's never going to happen. Question though, my parents have an older television. It's hooked up to a digital cable box, but they can't get certain channels regardless, even though, other, newer TVs in the house (still CRT non-High Def can get them) I have been told it's because some stations have already converted to digital. Can anyone confirm this?
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post #47 of 155
1/27/09 at 1:16pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Nevermind, nothing to see here.

--
H
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post #48 of 155
1/27/09 at 1:40pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisR
Exactly. Four months isn't going to do anything when the people are either ignoring or are unaware of the situation. The only thing that will get their attention is when their TV doesn't work so you have to make the switch to 'force' those people to ever make the change.

I have a simple idea:
Why not just shut off the analog signal for NBC only on February 1 for about 30 minutes?

I guarantee that everyone who misses 30 minutes of the Superbowl will be ready by the deadline. If people still remember the "Heidi" debacle from 1968 they will certainly fix their TVs after this. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi_Game
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post #49 of 155
1/27/09 at 2:49pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian D H
I have a simple idea:
Why not just shut off the analog signal for NBC only on February 1 for about 30 minutes?

I guarantee that everyone who misses 30 minutes of the Superbowl will be ready by the deadline. If people still remember the "Heidi" debacle from 1968 they will certainly fix their TVs after this. Heidi Game - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Call me a softy, but I think that is a bit harsh. How about doing that durring prime time hours some weeknight. That will get peoples attention.
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post #50 of 155
1/27/09 at 3:38pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

I saw a news report on television which made it sound like the proposed delay would give stations the option of continuing to broadcast on their old frequency. I think that's a reasonable idea. The stations shouldn't be required to simulcast, but if an individual station deems the expense worth it to retain those who are not prepared for the changeover then allow them to do so.
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post #51 of 155
1/27/09 at 4:57pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl Johnson
I saw a news report on television which made it sound like the proposed delay would give stations the option of continuing to broadcast on their old frequency. I think that's a reasonable idea. The stations shouldn't be required to simulcast, but if an individual station deems the expense worth it to retain those who are not prepared for the changeover then allow them to do so.
That would be a lot easier to deal with if all the broadcasting stations was in that boat, but based on the previous article and PBS' article in Yahoo, some will be paying the extra penny.
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post #52 of 155
1/28/09 at 10:39am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

The House defeated the delay! There's still a little sanity in DC.
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post #53 of 155
1/28/09 at 10:52am

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg_S_H
The House defeated the delay! There's still a little sanity in DC.
House Defeats Bill to Delay Digital TV Transition - washingtonpost.com

...for now. At this point, it's basically a race against time. The House adopted special rules for the vote, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass. The roll call vote was 258 yeas, 168 nays. If the economic stimulus package doesn't eat up all their time, I could see the House leaders bringing the bill back to the floor under different rules requiring only a simple majority to pass.
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post #54 of 155
1/28/09 at 1:13pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam Lenhardt
If the economic stimulus package doesn't eat up all their time...
Yeah, I mean I love TV but I think there's more important things for Congress to be worrying about right now.
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post #55 of 155
1/28/09 at 1:18pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam Lenhardt
House Defeats Bill to Delay Digital TV Transition - washingtonpost.com

...for now. At this point, it's basically a race against time. The House adopted special rules for the vote, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass. The roll call vote was 258 yeas, 168 nays. If the economic stimulus package doesn't eat up all their time, I could see the House leaders bringing the bill back to the floor under different rules requiring only a simple majority to pass.
I'm surprised the House didn't pass it, since the Senate voted unanimously in favor of it or a similar bill.
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post #56 of 155
1/28/09 at 1:54pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by ThomasC
I'm surprised the House didn't pass it, since the Senate voted unanimously in favor of it or a similar bill.
The House and Senate tend to be very different beasts. For one thing, Senators tend to represent far larger constituencies. When the electorate of a single congressional district might not have any problems with the current DTV date, there might be a huge rural constituency elsewhere that would lose reception because of the switch. That's not to justify the Senate's idiocy, just to explain why Senators vote differently than House members.
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post #57 of 155
1/28/09 at 2:02pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisR
Yeah, I mean I love TV but I think there's more important things for Congress to be worrying about right now.

There's a school of thought that would rather see the Congress getting involved with things like this television switchover than mucking up something real. But, I guess this isn't the place for that discussion.
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post #58 of 155
1/28/09 at 2:26pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover



I'm surprised and happy. It doesn't affect me, personally, but this switchover has been delayed enough. The only way people are going to be ready for this is if they are forced to be ready. There's just too much hand-holding in this country.
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post #59 of 155
1/28/09 at 4:52pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

Without going into specifics, and thus violating forum policy, it helps to bear in mind that just as there are many companies that will benefit when the transition happens, there are others that would benefit greatly from a delay. Companies on both sides of the issue lobby and contribute to politicians of both parties. For all the high-flown rhetoric about moving our television system into the modern age or helping the old folks on the farm keep their TV a little longer, a lot of this comes down to money and where each congressperon's or senator's friends and supporters stand on the issue.

Regards,

Joe
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post #60 of 155
1/28/09 at 5:45pm

Re: Calls for delaying digital TV switchover

I just hope it ultimately leads to more HD programming and better signals, but since I get digital cable anyway and have for a long time, I'm probably hoping in vain.
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