Great Article On DTV Transition
Eureka, CA – It’s not very often that I see articles in the mainstream media where the reporter has an actual grasp of technical issues, or even bothers to spend time seriously researching the subject that they are writing about, for that matter.
That being said, there is an excellent story written by a reporter for the Associated Press (AP) that is making the rounds in syndication this morning. It offers some great perspective as to why it is such a bad idea to push back the February 2009 switchover date to digital television (DTV).
One factor that the mainstream media has never brought-up before is just how much it is costing TV broadcasters to simulcast both digital and analog signals prior to the switchover date. According to the article, one ABC-TV affiliate spends in excess of $20,000 a month on electricity alone for the old analog transmitter, on top of what they are spending on electricity for their new HDTV transmitter. So, pushing the DTV switchover date back for four months could cost TV stations upwards of $80,000. That may be a drop in the bucket for TV stations in larger markets, but in markets like Humboldt County where margins for broadcasters are already razor thin, that kind of money is no trivial matter.
Another fascinating statistic… the waiting list for $40 digital television converter (CECB) coupons has swollen to 2.6 million people. At this rate, even the additional $25 million that the government is planning on putting into the coupon program may not be enough to satisfy consumer demand. So, if you aren’t yet on the waiting list and still need a DTV converter box coupon, you should get on the list right-away, because there likely will not be enough to go around for everyone.
You can read the original AP article HERE.
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