Getting to February 2009: Outstanding DTV Transition Issues

With this final Congressional action setting a date certain for the digital TV transition, the work of implementing the legislation falls mainly in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. But unresolved in the DTV Act are a number of issues that will determine the success of the investment Americans are making in the transition. At their first open meeting of the new year, both FCC Commissioners and staff identified the DTV transition as a major priority for 2006. Anticipating the passage of the DTV Act, the Commission reported on the status of the DTV transition to date. Approximately 90% of US TV stations are currently airing digital TV broadcast and approximately 95% of stations have chosen their permanent digital television channel. Completing the task of deciding final channel placements for all digital TV stations was identified as a major priority by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein and Media Bureau Chief Donna Gregg. Commissioner Adelstein identified additional issues that must be addressed to make the transition a success including the public interest obligations of digital TV broadcasters, the disclosure requirements of licensees, educating consumers about the transition, and the sale of analog TV sets.
http://www.benton.org/node/1258