NAB Says NTIA Converter Box Program Falls Short

NAB SAYS NTIA CONVERTER BOX PROGRAM FALLS SHORT
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
A day after the National Telecommunications & Information Administration held its first public hearing on new DTV-to-analog converter box rules, the National Association of Broadcasters has weighed in saying the program "does not go far enough." Though the NAB did not specify how the NTIA program falls short, it is likely a matter of money. Broadcasters are looking to Congress to boost funding for the program. The last Congress set aside up to $1.5 billion to subsidize roughly two thirds of the cost--$40 of about $60 per--for up to 33.5 million converter boxes that will allow analog-only sets to receive digital broadcasts after the digital switch in February 2009.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6426371?display=Breaking+News

* NAB Statement on NTIA Public Hearings on DTV Transition
http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=News_Room&CONTENTID=8494&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm

* Interests Air Concerns About Federal DTV Conversion Plan
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-UVAK1174417336771.html