Cable companies must support analog TV until 2012
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously to ensure that cable companies provide an analog signal to subscribers well beyond the digital over-the-air deadline.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin was quoted as saying, “If the cable companies had their way, you, your mother and father, or your next door neighbor could go to sleep one night after watching their favorite channel and wake up the next morning to a dark fuzzy screen.”
The affected people in Martin’s quote would be the many people who have yet to pick up a digital TV when the February 2009 deadline comes for the digital transition.
The FCC has taken measures to help the 40 million Americans who still receive over-the-air broadcasts by setting out a plan to help buy digital to analog converter boxes. Now the FCC has voted to make sure the cable companies do the same for all local broadcasts.
In February 2009 cable companies can use two signals from broadcasters: A digital standard definition (SD) or a digital high definition (HD) signal. As of now neither will work with an analog TV (ala Martin’s remarks). Cable companies can choose either one of the signals to show their subscribers. The SD choice would rewire the provider with sending 3 versions of the same signal down their lines (taking up much needed bandwith) or provide a converter box for the SD signal (which may be more costly).
When this new rule is up in 2012 the FCC will review how things are going and make a new decision.
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Cable companies must support analog TV until 2012
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously to ensure that cable companies provide an analog signal to subscribers well beyond the digital over-the-air deadline.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin was quoted as saying, “If the cable companies had their way, you, your mother and father, or your next door neighbor could go to sleep one night after watching their favorite channel and wake up the next morning to a dark fuzzy screen.”
The affected people in Martin’s quote would be the many people who have yet to pick up a digital TV when the February 2009 deadline comes for the digital transition.
The FCC has taken measures to help the 40 million Americans who still receive over-the-air broadcasts by setting out a plan to help buy digital to analog converter boxes. Now the FCC has voted to make sure the cable companies do the same for all local broadcasts.
In February 2009 cable companies can use two signals from broadcasters: A digital standard definition (SD) or a digital high definition (HD) signal. As of now neither will work with an analog TV (ala Martin’s remarks). Cable companies can choose either one of the signals to show their subscribers. The SD choice would rewire the provider with sending 3 versions of the same signal down their lines (taking up much needed bandwith) or provide a converter box for the SD signal (which may be more costly).
When this new rule is up in 2012 the FCC will review how things are going and make a new decision.
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