[opendtv] Re: NTSC Cutoff Date
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 11:45:28 -0400
John Shutt wrote:
> It appears that the only way to truly know how disruptive the
> NTSC cutoff will be is to actually try it.
>
> Why don't we have all broadcasters turn off their NTSC
> facilities on January
> 1, 2007, only in those markets where the 85% rule is valid,
> but require
> broadcasters to maintain NTSC capabilities for at least 90
> days, with the
> understanding that they may be authorized to resume NTSC
> broadcasts for an additional period.
>
> Then see how many people scream at their representatives. If
> the din is
> overwhelming, then congress can authorize an additional period of
> simulcasting. If, on the other hand, 3% of the population
> hollers, then
> congress can decide if freeing up the spectrum has more
> benefit than having 3% of their constituents upset at them.
I like that idea. I would also appreciate seeing some mention
of this on public service announcements from OTA stations. It's
still surprising that the transition is, what, almost 6 years
into its total 8 year duration, and almost no one other than
fanatics has any clue. My hope is that OTA broadcasters will
get more enthusiastic after these better receivers make it
into products on store shelves.
I see a problem with the *principle* of rushing to give away
this publically owned spectrum. An OTA TV distribution scheme
loses out against the subscription services mostly because
they offer less choice. Extra usable spectrum allows for more
OTA choice, with DTV permitting the relaxation of many of the
old tabboos. It's arguable that Congress should not so
heavily favor the subscription model, to the point of
auctioning off public property, without a proper public
debate?
How come broadcasters aren't demanding the spectrum for new
stations or for new services as loudly as the cell phone
companies are?
Bert
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