User Comments

1. 

   4/28/08

   mattclark

   Well it means you'll be needing a new TV I suppose so that might hurt your pocket a tad. As for the other effects, I'd say you'll suddenly have more channels to choose from so you might save on cable subscriptions, and considering how expensive those are it might actually put more cash back into the US economy, but also might increase unemployment when the cable companies go bust, but look on the bright side, the unemployed will be well occupied in their own living rooms with the great range of Oprah-like shows to watch.

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2. 

   4/28/08

   wenfri

   Hmmm ... does that mean it will affect those that have cable already??
   
   Or only the people out there that still use antennaes for reception??
   
   Umm... Will it put more money into the Canadian economy as well??

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   1. 

      4/28/08

      Norski

      My apologies. I didn't notice that you live in Ontario, Canada.
      
      You may find these links useful:
      
      Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2007-53
      Ottawa, 17 May 2007
      Determinations regarding certain aspects of the regulatory framework for over-the-air television
      www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Notices/2007/pb2007-53.htm
      
      Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
      www.crtc.gc.ca/
      
      And, to a lesser extent,
      
      Ruling the Airwaves: The CRTC and Canadian Content
      archives.cbc.ca/arts_entertainment/media/topics/1150/
3. 

   4/28/08

   Norski

   Bottom line:

   • Need a new television set?
     No.
   • Need a gadget called a converter?
     Yes.
   • How much time do Americans have?
     Until February 17, 2009

   You might find these links helpful:
   
   The Digital TV Transition: What You Need to know about DTV (FCC)
   www.dtv.gov/
   
   Commerce Department Issues Final Rule To Launch Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (NTIA)
   www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2007/DTVfinalrule_031207.htm

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4. 

   4/28/08

   Norski

   My understanding is that people receiving cable television in America will be unaffected. (Barring the occasional snafus as the new system is implemented.)
   
   The American NTIA has a 'two $40 USD coupon per eligible household' offer, to help people make the transition. (More at www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2007/DTVfinalrule_031207.htm ).
   "The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today the final rule for the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (coupon program) designed to help consumers continue receiving free, over-the-air television when full-power television stations cease analog broadcasting after February 17, 2009, ...."

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5. 

   4/29/08

   wenfri

   Norski
   Wow Thanks for all those link. Will have to check them all out later. In a rush at the moment. (have to go to a funeral)
   
   What happens to all those who can't even afford cable. Even in Ontario there are quite a few. Lots of them are still using antennaes.
   
   Guess they will have to find new ways to amuse themselves

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