Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: February 2009 - The day TV's stop working

  1. #1
    Super Moderator
    Fernbay's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    4,684
    Thanks
    1,515
    Thanked 3,458 Times in 1,141 Posts
    Rep Power
    670
    Reputation
    15830

    Default February 2009 - The day TV's stop working



    By JOHN DUNBAR

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Hispanics are nearly twice as likely as whites to be left without television service following the nationwide transition to digital broadcasting next year, according to a new survey.

    Beginning in February 2009, full-power broadcast stations will transmit digital-only signals, meaning people who get their television programming over an antenna and do not have a digital set won't get a picture without a special converter box.

    The Nielsen Co. survey released Friday estimates that more than 13 million households in the U.S. receive television programming over the air on non-digital sets, meaning they will need converter boxes. Another 6 million households contain at least one television that fits that description.

    Nielsen researchers found that 10.1 percent of all households would have no access to television signals if the transition occurred today. Broken down by race, 8.8 percent of whites would be unready; 11.7 percent of Asians; 12.4 percent of blacks; and 17.3 percent of Hispanics.

    By age, of those 35 and younger, 12.3 percent rely solely on over-the-air broadcasts. Of those age 55 and older, 9.4 percent fall into that category.

    The survey noted that 16.8 percent of all households have at least one analog television set that would not work after the switch.

    The Nielsen survey was done as part of its overall television rankings forecast. The data was gathered by Nielsen staff who visited a national sample of roughly 15,000 homes. The survey took about 18 months to complete, according to the company.

    By market, New York is considered the most ready for the transition. Only 3.5 percent of television sets are non-digital and get programming over the air. Portland, Ore., is at the other end of the list, with 22.4 percent of television sets in that category.

    Eric Rossi, leader of Nielsen's digital transition preparedness team, said much of the data fits with existing assumptions about the transition, though the fact that seniors are more ready than the younger people is "maybe one of the slightly unexpected results."

    However, Rossi cautions, the age is based on the head of household. The survey does not include group quarters like retirement homes.

    Rossi said the results also track closely with cable television penetration rates. People who get cable or satellite service won't be affected by the transition.

    The government is accepting requests for coupons to subsidize the cost of converter boxes for those who need them. Each household is eligible for two coupons worth $40 apiece, regardless of whether they have pay-television service or not. To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at or call the 24-hour hotline, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

    The coupons expire three months from issue. Boxes are expected to be available in the next week at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Radio Shack and other retailers. They are expected to range in price from $40 to $70.



Look Here ->
  • #2
    Senior Member
    iwacelect's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    2,581
    Thanks
    858
    Thanked 663 Times in 434 Posts
    Rep Power
    367
    Reputation
    4190

    Default

    the same sensational stories will happen here when they eventually finalise a transition date, but i love the "colour" (or color) or ethnic card being played straight away.

    get shares in a digital antenna supplier as most wont under stand just how bad the pix is going to be UNLESS the UHF pix thier getting now is perfect the digital channels will be shite and un-watchable, hence all those antenna will have to be replaced and in some cases you just wont be able to watch it as your reception will be just to low...

    go buy a few hard covers... LOL
    When I explained to the guy what avatar I wanted, that wasn't what I meant!

  • #3
    Senior Member z80's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    5,840
    Thanks
    112
    Thanked 77 Times in 48 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Reputation
    708

    Default

    That's what they said about black and white transmissions in 1975

    that we all HAD to get colour sets...


    AFAIK black and white is still transmitted.

  • #4
    Premium Member
    hoe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Age
    60
    Posts
    6,367
    Thanks
    266
    Thanked 4,596 Times in 1,948 Posts
    Rep Power
    1820
    Reputation
    70528

    Default

    err,

    why are we discussing american domestic issues on an aussie forum ?

  • #5
    Senior Member
    best4less's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    7,684
    Thanks
    3,487
    Thanked 2,207 Times in 1,132 Posts
    Rep Power
    757
    Reputation
    15165

    Default

    Because what ever Bush does we follow
    When you do things right, people won't be sure that you have done anything at all

  • #6
    Member Helen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Cyber Space
    Age
    62
    Posts
    396
    Thanks
    8
    Thanked 17 Times in 4 Posts
    Rep Power
    212
    Reputation
    68

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by best4less View Post
    Because what ever Bush does we follow
    lmao...well said

  • #7
    Member dan22's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Age
    58
    Posts
    431
    Thanks
    108
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Reputation
    60

    Default

    yes i wonder will rudd suck up to bush as much as howard did????????

  • #8
    Senior Member
    best4less's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    7,684
    Thanks
    3,487
    Thanked 2,207 Times in 1,132 Posts
    Rep Power
    757
    Reputation
    15165

    Default

    With Australian Government history,the chances are looking slim
    When you do things right, people won't be sure that you have done anything at all

  • #9
    Senior Member roguefan99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    1,459
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 148 Times in 109 Posts
    Rep Power
    258
    Reputation
    633

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by z80 View Post
    That's what they said about black and white transmissions in 1975

    that we all HAD to get colour sets...


    AFAIK black and white is still transmitted.
    Difference is that Analogue transmissions in the US wont be sent out anymore, and it WONT be possible because the spectrum they are using at the moment is being sold off in an auction (which has already started). I'm guessing that the same thing will probably happen here once they have changed over, however I think it will be much further off because we are slow on our take up (mainly because we need multichanneling in SD and EPGs to give people a reason for take up)

  • Similar Threads

    1. epg working on canalsatellite I701
      By tarwin in forum Satellite TV General
      Replies: 6
      Last Post: 13-03-08, 05:09 PM
    2. How to stop the Desktop Cleanup Wizard?
      By ssrattus in forum Operating Systems
      Replies: 3
      Last Post: 11-02-08, 06:13 AM
    3. DS Problems Slot 1 not working
      By Dsaray in forum Nintendo
      Replies: 2
      Last Post: 29-01-08, 12:53 AM
    4. PC World February 2008
      By kevin1341 in forum General Chat
      Replies: 4
      Last Post: 28-01-08, 10:27 PM
    5. aus.gam not working
      By woofer&ferret in forum Wafers, Pics and Codes
      Replies: 4
      Last Post: 18-01-08, 03:19 PM

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •