Hatch, Klobuchar Resolution Focuses Attention on Digital TV Transition
Press Release
HATCH, KLOBUCHAR RESOLUTION FOCUSES ATTENTION ON DIGITAL TV TRANSITION
When TV stations shut down their analog signals and start broadcasting in digital next February, Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) want viewers across the nation to be ready.
That's why Hatch and Klobuchar, along with 28 co-sponsors, introduced a resolution in the Senate this week to designate August 2008 as Digital Television Transition Awareness Month. Both senators say the resolution is needed to focus attention on the switch on Feb. 17, 2009, an event that several studies indicate could leave many consumers in the dark when it comes to watching TV.
"The studies indicate only 64 percent of Americans know about the transition, and 74 percent of that group still doesn't have a clear picture about the impact that change will have on television service," Hatch said. "We need to clear up any distorted views or misconceptions consumers have about the switch, especially among our most vulnerable populations such as senior citizens and low-income and minority households.
"The problem could be especially acute in the Salt Lake City area, where more than 200,000 homes - 25 percent - rely on free analog TV signals. That is the highest percentage of any major U.S. metropolitan area," Hatch added. "This resolution will help encourage those who need to take action to do so now instead of waiting until the last minute."
Klobuchar said that signal also needs to be sent to the people of her home state, where 430,000 households could be impacted.
"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."
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 either purchase a digital converter box, 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.
Unfortunately, Hatch noted, such sites often don't reach the people who will most likely be affected by the transition and who are the least able to access the information needed to prepare.
Designating August 2008 as Digital Television Transition Awareness Month, Hatch and Klobuchar believe, will help change that by focusing more public attention on the transition and the program the Federal Communications Commission has in place to educate consumers.
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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