Eastern Shore Focus - Show # 69: The DTV Transition - Take 2

By WESM News / Stephen Williams

PRINCESS ANNE, MD –

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Show Information:

Show Number: 69
Guest(s):
- Shermaze Ingram, Senior Director of Media Relations, DTV Transition (NAB)
Subject(s): The DTV Transition - Take 2
Original Airdate: Monday, March 9, 2009
Running Time: 29 minutes

Brief Synopsis:

If you've been paying attention to the news or TV, you're probably well aware that television in the United States is going to switch to digital sometime this year. But if your TV isn't ready for the transition - and you don't have cable or satellite service - then on June 12, 2009, your favorite TV stations are going to disappear.

Back in February of 2009, both Congress and President Obama approved an extension of the original February 17, 2009 deadline - for all full-power TV stations to turn "off" their analog channels, and start transmitting only in "Digital" format. The new deadline for stations to complete the switch to digital is June 12, 2009.

While it's not the same as high-definition television, it does offer an improved picture and sound over regular analog TV.

What that means is that if you are one of the estimated 35 million Americans who watch TV using free, over-the-air signals, you'll need to either buy a new TV set with a digital tuner built-in - or buy what's called a "digital converter box."

Fortunately, you won't have to pay very much because the government is also providing consumers with $40 coupons that can be used towards the purchase of these converter boxes.

A lot of this can be confusing to the average person, but here to help sort some of this out, is Shermaze Ingram of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). She's the Senior Director of Media Relations for the Digital TV Transition.

Ms. Ingram will provide more information about the coming digital transition - including how it will benefit both consumers and public safety institutions - as well as giving the reason why Congress originally authorized it, then later extended the deadline. Also, she'll also talk about some other changes that have taken place since she was last on the program back in June of 2008.

This interview was recorded on February 18, 2009.

Additional Links & Information:

DTV Answers - What you need to know about the switch to Digital Television:
http://www.dtvanswers.com/

The Digital TV Transition - What You Need To Know About DTV (FCC site):
http://www.dtv.gov/

TV Converter Box Coupon Website:
http://www.dtv2009.gov/

Toll-free number: 1-888-DTV-2009 / (1-888-388-2009)

Digital TV Transition:
http://www.dtvtransition.org/

National Association of Broadcasters:
http://www.nab.org/

Questions or Comments?

E-mail us: wesm913@umes.edu
Or call 410-651-8001