After the Senate passed a bill to delay the transition to digital until June, the House decided to defeat the measure and keep the Feb 17 date. Given that broadcasters have flooded airways with public service announcements, news stories and plugs by actors in primetime television shows, the decision to keep everyone focused on that date is the right one.
Changing the date now only bails out consumers who failed to act, even though the date for conversion was set in 2005. The government shares some blame as well, as its program to provide $40 coupons for digital converter boxes ran out of money. Many consumers may be confused by what exactly the conversion means, but changing a long-standing date that has been the focus of a broad media campaign would only add to the mystery.
In a Jan. 28 Associated Press article, Nielsen Co. estimates 6.5 million homes will not be able to receive over-the-air programming once the current analog transmitters are turned off. But for those consumers who have thus far ignored the repeated warnings to take action, turning off their signal may be the only way to spur action. When American Idol suddenly isn't on, the rush to local electronics stores should take a big chunk out of that 6.5 million.
Had those households applied for the government coupons earlier in the process, it would have been clear that the program needed more money. Now that the last-minute crush is upon them, there is really nothing the government can or should do to accommodate those consumers. In an era of epic bailouts, the lesson should not be that Uncle Sam is ready to dig everyone out of the holes they create for themselves. Rather, the switch to DTV is a chance for viewers to take matters in their own hands and make the transition before Feb. 17.
For anyone who has missed the message, the DTV conversion is pretty simple. If you get your programming through satellite or cable providers, there is nothing to worry about. If any television in your home uses over-the-air programming (think: rabbit ears), you will need a digital converter box in order to receive programming. These boxes are available at electronics retailers, and run roughly $40-$80. They are simple to install--no confusing cables--and provide a clear picture of many more channels than you currently receive.
The only thing to do then is sit back and enjoy the digital programming, even if it's a news story about the latest round of government bailouts.
