Digital television, known as DTV, is an innovative type of broadcasting technology that provides crystal-clear pictures and sound, and more programming choices than ever before. Recently, Congress passed and President Obama signed, legislation to delay the national Digital Television (DTV) transition from February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009. The “DTV Delay Act” (S. 352) will also allow consumers whose coupons have expired to reapply for replacement coupons and give stations the flexibility to switch to digital prior to the June 12 deadline.
However, because of previous contractual commitments, more than 1/3 of the broadcast TV stations in the nation will switch, or have already switched, to DTV-only broadcasts before June 12. Rural consumers who rely on over the air TV broadcasts will have find out for themselves whether or not they are receiving the older analog signals or the new digital signals from their local broadcasters. On a positive note, the government program that provides coupons to consumers to purchase the digital converter boxes that will allow their existing televisions to receive digital signals received more that $650 million in additional funding as part of the Economic Stimulus package passed by Congress and signed by the President. This should allow consumers who signed up for the coupon program after the original funding ran out in early January to begin receiving their coupons in a few weeks.
Background
Many Americans already are aware that digital broadcasting was going to occur on February 17, 2009. However, that date was extended until June 12, 2009. Congress originally ordered the change to all-digital broadcasting from analog broadcasting to free up channels for police, fire, and emergency personnel. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the agency that oversees the nation’s airwaves, the digital transition offers benefits beyond public safety: it will open the door to new wireless services for consumers, allow TV stations to offer better picture and sound quality, and enable TV stations to broadcast several programs at the same time. While the benefits of digital television are remarkable, millions of households risk losing television reception unless they take the easy steps to receive a digital signal.
In addition to the efforts already in place to inform households about the impending broadcast changes, there are two new tools that will be used as we get closer to the June 12, 2009 deadline. The first is a DTV toll-free hotline which will help viewers navigate the DTV transition. The system will combine live operators with automated elements to answer viewer calls. The details of the plan are still being worked out and National Grange will keep members posted. Also the National Association of Broadcasters announced the creation of a DTV educational video that will be broadcasted over their analog channels in a continuous loop in analog after their transition to DTV. The video will be available in English and Spanish and accessible to persons with disabilities. It addresses frequently asked questions about the transition, demonstrates how to hook up a converter box and scan for channels, how to best position an antenna, and directs viewers to the national DTV hotline.
"The DTV Delay Act is good for the American people. It acknowledges the need for more time so we can give the American consumers the assistance they need to acquire coupons and the importance of giving the public safety community access to additional spectrum to improve communications," said Acting NTIA Administrator Anna Gomez. "If NTIA receives additional budget authority for the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, our first priority will be to provide coupons for those households currently on the waiting list, as well as maximize further distribution of coupons."
The TV Converter Box Coupon Program helps households with analog television sets – not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service – to buy a converter box so their TV sets can receive digital broadcasts. The DTV Delay Act allows the NTIA to issue one replacement coupon for each coupon that was issued, but expired without being redeemed. However, this will not take effect until the enactment of additional budget authority.
As of January 28, 2009, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has received applications for 51 million coupons from 27 million households, and is averaging 152,052 applications each day. About 3.2 million coupon requests are currently on the waiting list. Meanwhile, 2,371 retailers representing 34,236 locations are participating in the program and 187 converter boxes have been certified including 109 models with the “analog pass-through” option. A list of certified available and not-yet-available converter boxes can be found at www.ntiadtv.gov .
Households may apply for coupons online at www.DTV2009.gov, by phone at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), via fax at 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632), or by mail to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish TTY). Nursing home residents may apply with the paper application available downloadable at www.DTV2009.gov.
Grange Policy
2008 Blueprint for Rural America
Expand Telecommunications Services in Rural Areas
The National Grange supports providing educational and financial resources for a transition to digital television in 2009.
Action Needed
Continue to spread the word about the digital TV transition and Coupon Program. If you decide to conduct a community service project of this nature, free event resources are available. You provide the location and encourage your members and community partners to attend the event. NTIA can assist with event resources at no cost to you.
For More Information:
About coupons and converter boxes: www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (TTY: 1-877-530-2634). About the transition to digital television: www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-835-5322). About consumer protection in general: ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (TTY: 1-866-653-4261).
If you have any questions or comments regarding this Action Alert, please contact Molly Thompson at mthompson@nationalgrange.org or by calling 1-888-4GRANGE.
Thank you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative Program.
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