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| July 11th, 2008 |
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Media Contact(s): Mark Eddington or Lindsey Stimpson, 202-224-5251 |
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Printable Version |
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SENATE PASSES HATCH, KLOBUCHAR RESOLUTION ON DIGITAL TV TRANSITION
Resolution Establishes August as Digital Television Awareness Month |
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WASHINGTON – Today the Senate passed a resolution designating August 2008 as "Digital Television Transition Awareness Month” (S. Res. 576). Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) co-sponsored the resolution, which enjoys broad bi-partisan support.
Hatch and Klobuchar say the resolution will help TV viewers across the nation prepare for the transition from an analog to a digital signal, set to take place February 17, 2009. Those who are unprepared will be left without television service following the transition.
The resolution encourages local nonprofit organizations to help consumers receive government coupons and converter boxes for the transition, and to educate consumers about Internet websites and other sources of valuable information regarding the transition to digital television. Several government officials and trade organizations are planning events to raise awareness between now and the end of the year.
“This resolution will help clear up misconceptions about the D-TV transition,” Hatch said. “In the Salt Lake City area there are more than 200,000 homes which rely on free analog TV signals. That is the highest percentage of any major U.S. metropolitan area. This resolution will help encourage those who need to take action to do so now instead of waiting until the last minute.”
Studies indicate that many consumers do not know about the transition to digital television. Of those who are aware of the transition, many have misconceptions about the impact of the transition on their television services. The most vulnerable consumers include senior citizens, low-income and minority households.
Regionally, television markets in the West and Mid-West have the highest percentage of consumers who rely on over-the-air television signals;
“Preparing for the digital transition is especially important for Minnesota consumers.” Klobuchar said. “Statewide, more than 21 percent of our households depend exclusively on over-the-air broadcast TV. That is one of the highest percentages in the country. This will help provide consumers with the information they need to prepare for this transition.”
The transition won’t impact households with digitally-equipped TVs hooked up to cable or satellite service. But people with analog TVs will need to purchase a digital converter box, or subscribe to cable or satellite or buy a new TV with digital capabilities.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is running a coupon program that enables consumers to apply for a coupon they can apply toward the purchase of a converter box. There are also many Web sites with comprehensive information about the switch and the coupon program.
For more information, or to request a coupon, go online at http://www.dtv2009.gov/
or call 1-888-DTV-2009. For more general information about the transition, consult the Web at www.dtv.gov or contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC.
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