The DTV delay: What it means for you

Congress today voted to extend the deadline for the shutoff of analog TV broadcasts to June 12, an extension from the original February 17 date. President Obama is expected to sign the bill.

First, some basics: As we've emphasized before, the decision—and the transition to digital broadcasting itself—has little or no effect on cable and satellite subscribers. But if you receive over-the-air local broadcasts from an antenna, to an older TV set, the transition—and today's date extension—may affect you.

Here's a Q and A on what today's news means and doesn't mean:

So all stations must now continue analog broadcasts until June 12?

Well, not necessarily. The DTV Delay bill actually allows stations the flexibility to cease analog broadcasts on or even before February 17, under a process outlined by the Federal Communications Commission. Advocates for Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, is calling on broadcasters to use this option responsibly—which means, for example, offering ample notice to viewers before shutting down analog broadcasts. (The FCC requirements call for viewers to be notified at least 30 days in advance.)

Will today's bill get those subsidy coupons for DTV converter boxes flowing again?

No, alas. The program to provide $40 coupons, which offset the cost of a DTV converter box to allow an older TV to accept the new broadcasts, has hit its funding cap. Funds to provide additional coupons are part of the economic stimulus bill, which isn't expected to receive a final vote in Congress before the end of next week.

What should I do in the meantime if I'm affected?

If you have a coupon in hand, use our advice and our free Ratings soonest to get a converter box and set it up. (Watch our free online video on How to hook-up your DTV converter box.) If you haven't, and you'll need one, add your name to the waiting list to receive a coupon when more become available.

If you feel you can forgo the subsidy and pay the full cost—typically $40 to $80—of a box without a coupon, consider buying one now. The sooner you shop, the greater selection of boxes you may enjoy; there's some fretting about the possibility of demand exceeding supply for the devices, though other sources are more reassuring. Also, the sooner you begin what might be a period of some troubleshooting to acquire all—one hopes—of the stations you now receive in analog in their digital incarnations.

Comments

[Milt Snitzer]

If all those who proposed a delay of the switch to digital TV (including Consumers Union, Rep. Waxman and others) expect that more people will be ready in June than they are in February, I believe they are in for a disappointment. The switchover has been more than adequately publicized for well over a year and those who are unaware of it now will still be unaware in June. The only result of this misguided legislation is still further confusion among viewers and stations. And what about expired $40 coupons as a result of the delay? Oveall, a bad move.

[everett whitney]

There may well be another "result!"

The bill's wording allows TV Stations to drop analog at the original midnight date!! - NOT another (30) days of public hearings as stated herein at all!

Our (5) local networks immediately began posting 'public info' spots yesterday that all analog signals WOULD ceased on schedule!

The "unfortunate" portion re: "DTV" is simply the technical fact that Digital Signaling will NOT be nearly as successfully-received as was analog & those set top "V" rabbit ears.

Therefore, some unknown % of our population - - - either physically unwell enough to self install new, outside antenna systems or unable financially to hire same - - - WILL entirely loose tv !

And, that has nothing to "DO" with 17 Feb or 12 June at all . . . . There needed to have been a "program" including equal emphasis about the necessity of new antennas !

[Bill]

I agree with JRW. The business community has worked hard to prepare for the change and will now have the extra burden and cost of providing dual signals and changed plans for the use of the freed up spectrum. A screen full of static and snow will do wonders at motivating people to get off the dime and the sooner the better.

[JRW]

Congratulations Consumers Union.

Your lead role in advocating a delay to the government mandated transition to DTV shows how far away from reality you have moved as an organization.

The four month delay to transition will accomplish little in reducing the number of households not equipped to digital signals. Those that do not want to understand, or are incapable of understanding, what they need to do to convert will likely interpret this as a sign they can prevent the conversion if they continue to pretend they cannot understand what to do.

As for the affected stations, who is going to compensate them for the additional costs of maintaining dual signals to please the 5% of the population that will continue to put their heads in the sand? Advertising revenues are down in this depressed economy. Operating shortfalls are already leading to lay-offs. Where is the extra money to come from to pay for extra electricity, equipment maintenance, etc necessary to keep analog signals on the air 4 more months? Does CU really think any major staion would ever think of bucking the negative PR associated with an early conversion?

So, maybe the answer is for the cable rates to go up further to compensate the stations for their additional costs per viewer. That should give CU another cause to trumpet on behalf of those they perceive to be unjustly injured!

Please spare us!! Consumers Reports, please stick to your knitting. Rate products... and, if you must, the occasional service. That's what you know and what you were always good at. But please, please, spare us from your attempts to be "do-gooders".