Digital switch confusing for some; future uncertain

The Feb. 17 switch from analog to a digital signal on television sets is creating confusion among some viewers.

The Federal Communications Commission has mandated that in 36 days all television stations must shut off their analog signals and switch to all-digital programming. A converter box must be used for analog sets that rely on antennas.

KFVS, WSIL and WPSD all ran a test during their Monday evening newscasts that allowed viewers to see whether their providers were delivering the stations' digital signals and were ready for the conversion next month. A message on the television screen alerted viewers of their sets' status.

After the test, numerous calls were fielded in the KFVS12 studio in Cape Girardeau from customers complaining their sets had failed the test. Half of those were satellite customers who assumed their sets were digital-ready. WSIL and WPSD reported receiving only a few calls from viewers.

Paul Keener, director of marketing at KFVS12, said that while he believes the satellite companies will deliver when the time comes for the switch, he is concerned about whether they will pick up stations' high-definition programming.

"Despite what satellite companies are saying, they are not currently delivering our digital signal in this market," Keener said. He said he thinks DirecTV and Dish Network "will deliver our digital signal properly when the time comes but there are technical issues with our situation, not present with other stations, that may be the reason they are waiting until the last minute."

Messages left with Dish Network and DirecTV representatives were not returned.

Dish Network's website said customers whose package includes local channels are digital-ready.

"So, all you need to do is make sure all your TVs are hooked up to DISH Network receiver, including those in your garage, basement or kitchen," the site said. "... If local channels are not available in your area or you choose not to add local channels to your subscription, you can still receive your local channels with a government-subsidized digital-to-analog converter box."

Anita Lamont, spokeswoman for Charter Communications, said her company has ensured cable customers in the Cape Girardeau area will be ready for the switch next month.

Even though broadcasters have spent millions of dollars to purchase digital equipment and donated hours of airtime to educate the public about the switch, resistance is building among some groups.

President-elect Barack Obama's transition team is concerned that the Commerce Department has run out of the $40 coupons that are intended to offset the cost of the purchase of a digital converter box, which costs between $40 and $80. The Associated Press reported last week the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an arm of the Commerce Department, had hit a $1.34 billion funding limit set by Congress to pay for the coupons.

Growing waiting list

While the waiting list for coupons is currently 1.1 million, it could swell to nearly 5 million by early February. The NTIA is seeking an additional $250 million in funding for the coupon distribution program.

"It is unfortunate that the government didn't design a better coupon system, or didn't plan better to distribute them," Keener said. "That said, they will still be available so viewers should still apply if they haven't.

"They'll be put on a waiting list," he said. According to Keener, it is unlikely, but not impossible, that customers would receive the coupons before the switch.

If Congress wants to extend the deadline past Feb. 17, it would have to pass a new law to postpone the move.

Keener said that moving the deadline beyond May could force his station to purchase additional analog equipment, which he said KFVS12 could only use for a brief amount of time. He added that his station has spent a considerable number of hours educating viewers over the air about the switch and that an extension would force them to redouble their efforts.

Dwayne Stice, who works in programming at WPSD in Paducah, Ky., compared the current situation to when television sets switched from black and white to color programming in the 1960s.

"When you've done something for 60 years one way and make a switch, it is a challenge for some," Stice said. "We're all trying to disseminate the information that's out there right now so no one is deprived of their ability to watch television.

"Eventually everyone will have a high-definition set in their home," he said. "But you have to keep in mind that each individual situation is different. We'll see how this plays out."

Mike Snuffer, news director at WSIL in Carterville, Ill., said that despite the efforts to educate the public, some viewers still are confused about the program.

"The biggest challenge is getting people to understand the analog signal will go away," Snuffer said. "People have also expressed some disappointment that they are put on a waiting list. I've had a handful of people express to me that they didn't realize the coupons expired.

"Now, they may not be able to get one for a while," he said. "This is like any major change where there will be growing pains."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

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