Digital TV offers clearer pictures, better sound and the ability for broadcasters to send out additional programs on new sub-channels. But there is a downside: Viewers on the fringes of a station's broadcast area, or without good antennas, might not get the new signal.
In 2006, Congress set Feb. 17, 2009, as the date for broadcasters to turn off their analog signals and allocated $1.5 billion to provide coupons for converter boxes, anticipating billions in revenue from leasing use of most of the analog airwaves. The government auction for those leases brought in $19.6 billion last year from telecommunications companies such as Verizon Wireless, which plan to use them to deliver new mobile services.
But the conversion date was somewhat arbitrary -- lawmakers wanted to wait until after this year's Super Bowl to pull the plug.
Outreach efforts began in 2007, including a $1.2-billion public awareness initiative by the National Assn. of Broadcasters. But consumer groups and some Democratic lawmakers soon criticized the Bush administration's efforts, which were run jointly by the FCC and the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Congress had allocated about $6.5 million to the two agencies for public outreach, far less than many thought was necessary. Congress last year boosted that amount by about $20 million.
Concerns that the outreach efforts were still inadequate exploded in January, when the Commerce Department agency that administered the coupon program ran out of money after a flood of requests as the deadline approached. Congress voted in early February to grant Obama's request to delay the transition and provide more money for the coupon program and outreach.
Among the initiatives by the FCC: deploying 200 staff members around the country, instituting a 24-hour call center at (888) CALL-FCC, or (888) 225-5322, and contracting to provide in-home assistance for people unable to get their new equipment working.
Some Republicans said the delay was unnecessary and confusing. They also questioned the need for the additional federal money. But Kelsey, the Consumers Union policy analyst, said the extra time and funds have made a major difference.
"I think you're still going to see a lot of homes in the dark for sure," he said. "At the same time they have a clear place to turn and there's a good infrastructure to deliver them assistance."
--
jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com
