FCC says some still not ready for DTV transition
May 13, 2009
With the final day for transition to digital television less than a month away on June 12, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced several steps it is taking to help people who are not prepared for the switch from the analog format.
According to a Nielsen survey, 3.5 million households, or 3.1 percent of U.S. households with TVs, were still "completely unready" for the transition to DTV as of April 26.
Consumers who use an antenna to get free, over-the-air programming could lose their television signals on June 12 if they haven't taken steps to make their televisions DTV-ready.
"The switch to DTV offers benefits to consumers and society, but we must be vigilant to make sure all Americans are prepared for the transition," said acting FCC chairman Michael Copps.
Consumers who do not subscribe to pay television services and have older, analog televisions will need to attach digital-to-analog converter boxes to their televisions in order to continue receiving television programming.
The FCC said it has sent employees to nearly 50 areas with high concentrations of residents who are unready for the switch, including people living in rural areas or tribal lands.
Coupons worth $40 toward purchase of a digital converter box can be obtained by visiting the dtv2009.gov website.
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