Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

TV Stations Complete Shift to Digital

Millions of American viewers could lose signal today

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 12, 2009 11:00 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – As the US completes the shift to digital TV today, viewers in more than 2 million households will see nothing but static, according to Nielsen and broadcasters’ estimates. Those without signals are likely to be from poorer, rural, and older demographics, the Wall Street Journal reports—though Nielsen research finds that elderly people are the "most ready," TVNewsday notes.

Some 82% of those relying on antennas are ready for the switch, broadcasters say. The delay could be a boon to digital TV makers; sales have risen 32% this year, but that may be due to lower prices. The shift could also help cable providers; Comcast has created a “rapid response” team to get cable to homes fast. But broadcasters already stung by the recession could suffer if some viewers abandon TV altogether.

Community educator Ali Radheyyan shows a group of people how the switch over to digital television at the Immigration Refugee Community Organization in Portland, Ore., Thursday, June 11, 2009.
Community educator Ali Radheyyan shows a group of people how the switch over to digital television at the Immigration Refugee Community Organization in Portland, Ore., Thursday, June 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Don Ryan)
Federal Communication Commission acting chairman Michael J. Copps speaks during a news conference about the nationwide digital television transition, June 10, 2009.
Federal Communication Commission acting chairman Michael J. Copps speaks during a news conference about the nationwide digital television transition, June 10, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
In this June 5, 2009 photo, digital television converter boxes are on display at Radio Shack in Gloucester, Mass.
In this June 5, 2009 photo, digital television converter boxes are on display at Radio Shack in Gloucester, Mass.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
Pallet loads of television converter boxes that enable viewers with older analog sets to see the new digital over-the-air broadcasting format are seen at a Best Buy store in Los Angeles June 5, 2009.
Pallet loads of television converter boxes that enable viewers with older analog sets to see the new digital over-the-air broadcasting format are seen at a Best Buy store in Los Angeles June 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
rajanKazhmin
Jun 12, 2009 5:27 AM CDT
Why didn't anyone warn us!!!!!????
Observer
Jun 12, 2009 4:46 AM CDT
Now the Mind Police will control us all easier thru Hi-Def.
AClotfelter
Jun 12, 2009 4:33 AM CDT
"Abandon TV Altogether" Yeah right... the people they are talking about not being ready are from "poorer, rural, and older demographics". Yeah, those people are likely to abandon TV for Hulu, Youtube, etc..... NOT

Following the switch
New York Times

 
television • Comcast • cable TV • digital television • cable industry • TV antenna • digital converter box

More Newser Stories

Verizon Deal With Cable TV Could Be Game-Changer

Google's New Plan: Be Your Cable TV Provider?

NBC's Ratings Keep Sinking

Satellite, Cable TV Customers Flee in Record Numbers

Fox Puts Streaming Behind Paywall
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne