TV Conversion

We are getting close to the conversion from analog to all-digital TV signals in February. While the government, TV stations, and other resources have been trying to get the word out, many millions of people have not taken the steps necessary to continue receiving a TV signal after the conversion date.

Congress ordered the switch to digital signals, effective February 17, 2009, to free up public airwaves for other uses such as for police and fire departments. It will also allow stations and producers to offer cleaner, clearer TV signals and additional content through the digital signal.

Approximately 15% of US TV watchers still watch using analog-only, over-the-air signals. This translates to over 18 million government coupons for a TV converter box have been issued (you can request up to two coupons, so it is hard to say how many actual people/households this represents). You heard that right, 18 million.

Now, here's the real kicker-- there are over a million more requests on a waiting list for these coupons because the program has run out of money and cannot afford to send the chits out to those on the list. And there are estimates that many millions more still need to get converter boxes. The program is going back to Congress to try and get more funding quickly, but they estimate that those million or more people won't receive their chits until the end of March. The conversion occurs on February 17 (with some stations reportedly transitioning as early as February 1).

18 million times $40 per chit equals... $720 million. With at least $40 million more needed for the program (but more likely at least $120 million). The agency is now recommending that people go out and buy them themselves, as the converter boxes "only cost between $40-$90." This during harsh economic times for a conversion to digital that, really, is not needed at all. Not even a little bit. Couldn't the economy use an influx of around $1 billion plus (20 million times $50 per converter box as rough estimate) of forced spending from its people-- why do the chits at all?

Lastly, the one thing I haven't seen yet on the government site or on any government comment on this conversion from analog to digital is the fact that many analog antennas will not receive the digital signal at all. The digital signal is not as good at blanketing areas, especially those between tall mountains, as an analog signal. Many people may need larger, taller antennas or powered antennas in order to receive the new digital signal. So many millions will have their converter boxes and expect to continue watching TV, but their antenna will not get the new signal.

The government mandated a nearly completely superfluous change from analog to digital, failed to properly fund (or, much more likely, account for all of the existing funding) a subsidy program, grossly underestimated the need, and failed to provide all of the information needed to those affected. That's the American Government at work folks!