Gizmodo: analog tv shutdown

Digital TV Converter Coupon Program Active Again

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:26:00 EST

Rejoice! If you are one of the two million still waiting for your Digital TV upgrade coupon, the government has put more money into it. Now you have plenty of time before the shutdown [AP]

Obama Officially Delays Analog Broadcast Shutdown to June 12

matt buchanan — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:24:21 EST

Obama signed the piece of paper that officially delays the digital TV transition until June 12, even though many stations are turning off analog next week anyway (here's a list, thanks Ponies). [Broadcasting & Cable]

Senate Postpones TV Shutdown to June 12

Jesus Diaz — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:40:30 EST

El Señor Presidente talks, and the Senate does: They have postponed the analog switcheroo four more months. The new date for the analog TV shutdown: June 12, pending Congress approval of the move.

Previously, the analog shutdown was going to happen in February 17, but with Nielsen estimating 6.5 million U.S. homes still with analog TV only, politicians have thought twice about taking the circus from the people, after their inability to give them bread. [ABC News]

Obama Asks Congress for Analog TV Shutdown Delay

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:43:54 EST

President-elect Barack Obama has asked Congress to stop the shut down on analog TV broadcasts, due on February 17. The main two reasons: "Inadequate funding" and problems with the converter box program. But there's more.

John Podesta, co-chair of the Obama-Biden transition team, requested that "the cut-off date for analog signals should be reconsidered and extended". The letter was sent this Thursday to the chairs and ranking Republicans on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and Senate Commerce Committee.

Probably realizing that the Roman Emperors were right with their "bread and entertainment" policies, Podesta also argues that Americans can't wake up 28 days after the inauguration "to find their analog TV's no longer able to receive an over-the-air signal".

Indeed. I can see exactly what he means here. Not only it is true that the analog to digital TV program is broken, but I can already imagine people getting up in arms, thinking that the world is over after "the muslim" got into the White House: "Whar's mah TV? This ain't wawkin'! ah knowed thet guy warn't enny fine! Fry mah hide! Kids, t'th' shelter! Git mah rifle!"

So yes, this is a wise move that would benefit everyone until the issues with the program—funding and public education on the analog-to-digital transition—are solved. [Broadcasting Cable]