The Progress & Freedom Foundation Holds a Panel Discussion on the Switch to Digital Television

The Progress and Freedom Foundation held a panel discussion entitled
“The countdown to DTV : Making the 2009 Deadline Work” to highlight
the effort to prepare for the February 17, 2009 switch from analog to
digital television broadcasting technology, reportedly the most major
technological shift in U.S. history.

The government has enacted a coupon program under which consumers may
register online to receive a coupon redeemable for an adapter box
which will connect with their TV to allow it to process the new
digital signal. Compatable boxes are available at many retail stores
and an awareness campaign is under way to inform people of the ease
and importance of learning about and acting on this issue.

The policy to switch to digital was chosen to provide consumers with a
wider range of communicatons services and to make use of a more
efficient system to provide emergency, first response, and government
agencies with extra channels to improve service and safety. Such a
switch is one of the 9/11 commission’s recommendations to ensure
security.

The issue was compared to the Y2K awareness campaign, and panelists
expressed hopes that when the deadline arrives, the switch will be as
painless as on January 1, 2000. This transition will require more
people to take steps to adjust, though cable and satellite providers
and customers will remain unaffected. Adaptation procedures will vary
by type of television set and desired use patterns, but all solutions
should be relatively easy and inexpensive.