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REGION: North America
TOPIC: Media
Online NewsHour
FORUM
Posted: January 30, 2009

The Digital TV Conversion

Forum Introduction
Television; Photo by massdistraction via Flickr On Feb. 17, the nation's television broadcast system is scheduled to go all-digital, offering more enhanced images and doing away with older analog signals.
QUESTIONS
Why are we converting to a system that has a weaker transmission signal?
How is digital supposed to benefit us?
This is especially for hurricane prone areas, how can we receive digital signals when there is no power?
Will there be a mandate for stronger signals from broadcasters?
Will I get better reception with a new TV set with the built in digital connection?
How do I get the digital converter box or the coupons for one?
How can I continue to use my VCR after the big switch?
Why can't these coupons be reissued?
Are there places designated for "used" converter boxes that are no longer needed?
Do you think the effort to make the public aware of the switch has been effective?
Will this impact how PBS produces any of its programming?
Who should I contact first if I have questions about the quality of the new digital transmission of my PBS channel?
I may lose my TV signal. Maybe you could stream content over the Internet?
Ken Main from Salt Lake City, Utah, asks:
How is digital supposed to benefit us? At least 40 percent of the time the digital signals in my area are suffering severe pixilation and signal breakup with a "no signal" message being the most consistent view I am getting.
ANSWERS
Gene Kimmelman and his colleagues at Consumers Union respond:
Gene Kimmelman and his colleagues at Consumers Union respond:

It's important to note that the digital TV transition does have several benefits for consumers- primarily better picture and sound quality. In addition, public safety officials will have access to better airwaves so that first responders can become more effective at responding to national crises. However, several industries and the federal government have also profited from the transition.

Consumers Unions believes the reasons to transition are real; but that consumer rights need to be protected as we transition, and somewhere along the line, the federal government that mandated this switch lost sight of that.

Next Question and Answer

ONLINE NEWSHOUR LINKS

December 14, 2008
NewsHour High-Definition Broadcast FAQ


December 14, 2008
The NewsHour Switches to High-Definition Broadcasting Format




EXTERNAL LINKS
PBS: Get Ready for Digital TV
Federal Communications Commission


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