Audio Video News

The DTV transition is now just one week away, scheduled for June 12, 2009. On that date, more than half of the nation's television broadcasters will make the final switch to digital signals, shutting off analog forever. The other half have already made the transition over the past several months.

Antenna-dependent analog-TV households are better prepared than they were on February 17, 2009, the previous deadline, which was postponed by the president and congress. "Had we flipped the switch then, we would have faced a consumer debacle that would have made New Coke look like a stroke of marketing genius," declared acting FCC chair Michael Copps. Those deemed unready have dropped from 5.7 percent of U.S. households to 2.7 percent. That's still 3.1 million homes, so expect some tears.

Here's some good news: The FCC and its surrogates will make house calls to help the unready. Call 1-888-CALL-FCC and someone will visit. It might be a member of AmeriCorps, a local firefighter, or a contractor. If you know anyone in a vulnerable household, give them the number. There's no need for them to suffer with a dark screen.

Of the 974 stations making the transition next week, 175 will cut off analog signals between midnight and 6 a.m., another 200 between 6 a.m. and noon, 152 between noon and 6 p.m., and 447 between 6 p.m. and 11:59:59, literally waiting till the last possible second. Woe to those who are one second late, for the FCC shall smite them, verily! Ninety-nine stations will provide "analog nightlight" service for 30 days starting on June 12, solely for emergency and transition information.

A few stations just won't make it, according to FCC associate media bureau chief Eloise Gore. Thirty-five stations will simply shut down, some due to financial problems, the others due to technical problems that couldn't be surmounted before the deadline. However, they may get back on the air later in the year.

In a way, the whole thing is a large-scale science experiment, as many stations will be moving to new frequencies, vacating the VHF band for higher ground on UHF, while others will remain on VHF. In addition to new DTVs or set-top converter boxes, many viewers may need to upgrade their antennas to catch all the available signals in their areas. Here are some reception problems expected by the Association for Maximum Service Television, a broadcaster trade group:

Stations operating on low VHF channels may have an issue in some areas with significant sources of low impulse noise.

For some stations, maximizing or increasing power, for both UHF and VHF stations, may be necessary to improve service. This will vary from market to market.

Using the correct antenna is very important. Some DTV indoor antennas are in fact UHF-only antennas, making it difficult to receive all VHF signals. Antenna manufacturers and retailers must understand that 27.2% of the television industry will be broadcasting in the VHF band.

Some consumers are using “pre-amped antennas” close to a broadcast tower, which may undermine reception by overloading the TV set.

Many reception complaints are resolved within a few weeks.

See documents connected with the FCC's open meeting of June 3, 2009.

Oops, almost forgot: Check out the FCC's cool reception map! And find the antenna that is right for your location via AntennaWeb.