What Everyone Needs To Know About The DTV Delay Act - By: Aydan Corkern

Millions of TV viewers would have woken up to a disconnected signal on the morning of February 17, 2009, because of the digital television, or DTV, transition. Although months of warnings were given prior to that date, there was still a good amount of people across the United States who were not ready to make the transition. An estimated two to three million households would not have had access to regular TV stations. As a result, President Barack Obama was forced to propose the DTV Delay Act, and this act was passed. The DTV Delay Act moves the digital transition to June 12, 2009. This act, however, is not mandatory and while the majority of TV station executives understood that viewers would not be able to watch their programs if they went ahead with the transition, it is reported that a very small amount of TV stations went ahead with the transition anyway. The majority, if not all, full-power stations in major metropolitan areas did not switch to digital yet, but does offer the choice to watch their programming in high-definition, or HD. The main reason for making the switch to digital broadcasting was so that communication frequencies would be freed up for emergency personnel, fire, and police departments to use up. Frequencies were already crowded, and the digital switch will free up a lot of much-needed space. Some companies will also purchase available frequencies so that they can sell broadband services to consumers, both for business and home purposes. Those who should not be affected are cable and satellite subscribers, as those companies have already taken the proper steps needed to ensure that their customers will continue to receive uninterrupted television service. Televisions that were purchased after March 1, 2007 should come equipped with a built-in tuner or receiver that is capable of picking up the digital channels with only a digital converter box. Televisions purchased before that date will need the help of an antenna to pick up the digital channels. One of the reasons some people were not prepared for the digital transition is that they simply could not afford to buy digital converter boxes. Although they are fairly inexpensive, running at about 40 to 50 dollars for each unit, the weakening economy, job lay offs, and cut hours have all contributed to personal financial troubles. There is a DTV converter box coupon program, but they are slowly sending out 40-dollar coupons at a first-time, first-served basis. They have to either wait for government funding or already-mailed out coupons to expire before they can distribute anymore coupons. If you are in need of a converter box, be sure to fill out the online form or download and mail the application as soon as possible to be placed on the waiting list.