Senate Approves Delay for Switch to Digital TV

(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. More»

(NEWSER) - Millions of Americans, particularly in urban and rural areas, will see their televisions go black when broadcasters switch to digital transmission next week, the New York Times reports. A Nielsen survey indicates that more than 10% of the 114 million homes with sets are partially or completely unprepared for the switch. And this time, unlike in February, there’s no second chance. “I want to be clear,” the president said. “There will not be another delay.” More»

Ahead of transition, viewers struggle to receive digital signals

(NEWSER) - The big switch to digital TV may be less than a month away but many viewers are finding the transition anything but smooth, the Washington Post reports. Consumers are discovering that getting a converter box for older analog sets or buying a new digital TV doesn't always guarantee good reception. Many are expected to lose channels if they don't buy more powerful antennas. More»

Fund to aid consumers' conversion has run dry; June 1 may be alternative

(NEWSER) - Pressure from an influential consumer group and a change in attitudes on Capitol Hill may push back the mandated switch to digital television, Broadcasting & Cable reports. A letter from the Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, to key lawmakers and the Bush and Obama administrations urges them to reconsider the Feb. 17 date because funding has run out for converter vouchers. More»

Soon only Dish, Hulu Plus subscribers will have immediate access to shows

(NEWSER) - If you "cut the cord" and canceled cable when Hulu came along, you may have to wait more than a week after new Fox TV shows air to watch them. Starting Aug. 15, Fox will only allow Dish Network or Hulu Plus subscribers to watch its shows online immediately after they're broadcast, the Los Angeles Times reports. Everyone else will have to wait eight days. In New York , Margaret Lyons calls the plan "ridiculous," considering that "in regular, not-Internet life, those with and without the Dish Network can watch Fox programs on DVRs whenever they please, with equal impunity." More»