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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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4

Little Static in Digital TV Switch

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(Newser) – The digital TV switch took place Friday, and you’d be forgiven for missing it. The FCC is patting itself on the back, USA Today reports, because the long-planned, long-delayed switch went off without any major hiccups. By Saturday, the FCC had fielded 315,000 calls from consumers, but that died down to 60,000 by yesterday afternoon, and most were about run-of-the-mill issues.

“There were no dramatic moments,” said an FCC spokesman. Areas where stations had to switch from UHF to VHF experienced some reception issues, but only because they needed to reprogram their tuners to find new channel locations. Of course, about 1.75 million households didn’t make the switch, but they can still nab a $40 coupon for a converter from the FCC until July 31.

Michael J. Copps, acting chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, left, visits the tie digital TV transition command center at FCC headquarters, Friday, June 12, 2009.
Michael J. Copps, acting chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, left, visits the tie digital TV transition command center at FCC headquarters, Friday, June 12, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Geek Squad agent Jesse Jankowski of Best Buy in Salem, NH, adjusts the dipole antenna as he installs a digital TV converter box that will keep an older TV set functioning, June 12, 2009.
Geek Squad agent Jesse Jankowski of Best Buy in Salem, NH, adjusts the dipole antenna as he installs a digital TV converter box that will keep an older TV set functioning, June 12, 2009.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Geek Squad agent Jesse Jankowski of Best Buy in Salem, NH, autoscans for channels as he installs a digital TV converter box.
Geek Squad agent Jesse Jankowski of Best Buy in Salem, NH, autoscans for channels as he installs a digital TV converter box.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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4 comments
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TerrifiedCitizen
Jun 15, 09 1:05 PM CDT
This was a rather major shift of which the full implications won't be known till later. Reply
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AClotfelter
Jun 15, 09 4:08 PM CDT
I don't think there will be many implications at all... other than improved internet access and DTV. Like it or not, the people who didn't make the switch (i.e.: those without cable, dish, or a cheap digital converter read:The very poor or the elderly without any support system) don't have much if any political clout. There are people who can't afford running water and electricity... I can't feel bad for those who don't have TV.
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riffran
Jun 15, 09 2:43 PM CDT
yawn Reply
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JonmarkP
Jun 16, 09 12:24 PM CDT
People still watch TV? Who knew? Reply
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