[opendtv] U.S. DTV transition set for 2009, set-top subsidy planned
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2006 12:03:32 -0500
I like the way the 15 percent figure keeps getting stretched one way or
the other, depending what agenda one is trying to push. Meanwhile,
Germany and Italy seem to be well on their way to ending the transition,
with much less (apparent) anxiety.
Bert
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U.S. DTV transition set for 2009, set-top subsidy planned
George Leopold
(02/01/2006 5:28 PM EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=3D178600495
WASHINGTON - The House approved legislation Wednesday (Feb. 1) that sets
Feb. 17, 2009, as the deadline for ending U.S. analog broadcasts and
creates a government subsidy program for converter boxes.
The digital TV transition measure, contained in a huge budget
reconciliation bill, was approved by a vote of 216-214. The budget bill
now awaits President Bush's signature.
The legislation creates a $990 million program to subsidize consumer
purchases of converter boxes. The digital-to-analog converters would
allow viewers without digital receivers to continue to receive
broadcasts. U.S. households would be entitled to apply for two $40
coupons to subsidize the purchase of converters boxes.
Anticipating voter backlash over the converter box subsidy, the House
Energy and Commerce Committee, which spearheaded the DTV transition
bill, noted that "most consumers should be unaffected by the Feb. 17,
2009, deadline, and will not need an over-the-air converter box."
The House panel said in a statement that less than 15 percent of U.S.
households rely exclusively on terrestrial broadcasts. The remaining 85
percent are cable or satellite TV subscribers. Operators of those
systems will be able to convert digital broadcasts to an analog format.
The subsidy program will be administered by the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration, a Commerce Department
agency.
Analog TV spectrum freed by the transition will be used for public
safety and wireless broadband applications. According to congressional
estimates, spectrum auctions could raise up to $10 billion.
The bill also allocates $1 billion for a grant program to help police
and fire departments deploy interoperable communications.
All material on this site Copyright 2006 CMP Media LLC. All rights
reserved.
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