Few problems with the digital switch

Viewpoints

June 30, 2009

Phil Riddle, Democrat Editor

Anonymous The Weatherford Democrat Tue Jun 30, 2009, 04:07 PM CDT

editor@weatherforddemocrat.com

Few respondents in this week’s www.weatherforddemocrat.com online poll had any issues with the recent switch from analog to digital television signals.

Almost 68 percent of those voting said they’ve noticed little or no difference in their TV reception.

The poll is not scientific in nature and reflects only the opinions of those who voted.

Full power broadcast television stations went all digital a few weeks ago, forcing a change in set-up for those who received their signals through analog antennae. Viewers with satellite or cable providers noticed no difference.

The poll results reflect information in a press release from the Federal Communications Commission, sent just a few hours after the June 12 switch, in which no major problems were reported.

“The FCC and stations have dealt with a number of smaller issue in the field, but most of the things have been resolved fairly quickly,” the release stated. “No major issues across the board to report beyond general reception issues, which the FCC will be dealing with on a case-by-case basis and may take some time.”

The agency reported more than three times the average number of daily calls the day of the changeover.

According to a Dallas Morning News story, Metroplex ABC affiliate WFAA, Channel 8, flipped the switch at noon on the day of the change and by 6 p.m. had received about 600 phone calls, mostly from informed viewers who sought answers to specific questions.

Estimates put the price tag at more than $1 billion for educating the American public on the switch.

To participate in this week’s poll visit www.weatherforddemocrat.com and scroll to the bottom of the page.

This week’s question: “Of the announced candidates for Governor in the 2010 election, who would you support?”

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