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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Old tv sets going blank in 2009...

The bill, which for the first time establishes that US broadcasters will switch from current analog transmissions to digital ones on February 17, 2009, is certain to result in a windfall for the electronics industry and the government.

The digital signal will help deliver a much sharper image and better sound, and will help high-definition television sets -- available in most US electronics stores -- realize their full potential, according to industry officials.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton sought to assuage concerns, saying that under the bill that has already passed the House of Representatives, both consumers and manufacturers will have three years to prepare for the transition.

"That is more than enough time for manufacturers and retailers to move low-cost digital televisions and converter-boxes into the market ... for broadcasters to finalize their digital facilities, and for government and industry to prepare consumers for the transition," Barton said.

But consumer advocates were not so sure. They said the moved may result in a major expense for about 40 percent of American households that own a total of up to 80 million old television sets.

To be able to receive the digital signal, these sets will require converter boxes that are expected to cost 60 dollars or more. The alternative is to replace them altogether with new high-definition models that, at least for now, are significantly more expensive.

According to Consumers Union, the digital television transition was likely to cost US consumers a total of more than two billion dollars in direct out-of-pocket expenses.

Meanwhile, the transition will bring in more than 10 billion dollars for the US treasury through the auction of public airwaves, the group said.

The move is also expected to result in a major boost for television sales.

Jeannine Kenney, a spokeswoman for Consumers Union, decried the fact the bill sets aside only 5 million dollars for consumer education.

"Consumers will have no idea what's coming and what they need to do to prepare for it, making it likely that tens of millions of televisions sets will go black on February 17, 2009," she warned.

Source: www.physorg.com/news9291.html

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Well, doesn't this just blow...

[billybad69]

Well seems to me if they cant afford it they dont need it right?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

This is not as clear cut as previous change overs.

As in tv broadcasts of the past, those who still had black and white sets were still able to receive the color broadcasts in glorious black and white. No upgrades necessary.

Radio eased into FM frequencies and one could still tune in to the stereo channels with a mono receiver. And they dabbled in am stereo, but one was still able to listen to the broadcast anyway.

Recordings transitioned from 78's to Lp's to 8-tracks to CD and now to DVD's and beyond. But we are still able to play these recordings with old technology...I know I do!...

Now, with millions of regular analog receivers in perfect working order, how can they just stop all analog broadcasts and just deliver a digital signal...shutting millions out? The equipment is already there and to gut it all out in 2009 somehow doesn't seem right.

A 60 dollar box for my many sets around the house will be an expense, and although HDTV sets are great, they are still too high and buggy for a purchase.

I think it's too soon for such a dramatic transition.

[Centaur]

The move is needed to clear portions of the broadcast spectrum for other purposes. Blame cell phones. Since complete HDTV changeover requires cooperation from manufacturers, retailers, broadcasters and consumers, government decree is virtually the only way it can be done in a timely, effective and relatively inexpensive manner. It was going to happen anyway; might as well be sooner rather than later. Knowing that there is a huge market for HDTV will lead to more efficient production processes and increased competitive pressures, forcing manufacturers to improve the quality of their output while reducing prices. If only the government would be as bold regarding the metric system. In any event, the $60 cost for the conversion box is only about a nickel a day until HD-day. With the government kicking in a $40 rebate, that would actually be less than 2¢ per day. Get your piggy bank out of the closet.