KELSEY GRAHAM | staff writer
BOBBI SALCIDO | staff writer
Feb. 17 has come and gone, and students may have noticed their old televisions at home and on campus are still working. Due to congressional legislation passed Feb. 4, the transition from analog to digital has been extended to June 12, 2009.
Although most big-city stations decided to hold out until the June deadline, 421 networks already made the switch, including some in San Diego and Santa Barbara, Calif. Most decided to wait since an estimated 6.5 million Americans with older television sets are not yet prepared.
“It has long been clear to me that the country is not prepared to undertake a nationwide transition on Feb. 17 without unacceptably high consumer dislocation,” acting Federal Communications Commissions Chairman Michael J. Copps said.
Those who already subscribe to satellite or cable television will not be affected. But for those who do not, converter boxes will be necessary to pick up free over-the-air antenna broadcast.
“It isn’t affecting me, but it is affecting my grandma,” junior liberal studies major Dannah Fetters said.
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) tried to ease the transition by offering $40 coupons on converters. However, the money spent to fund the coupons has long since run out. New coupons are now only being issued as old, unused coupons expire. Thus, Congress decided a deadline extension is necessary.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, but thanks to great leadership in the Senate and House of Representatives, we now have an opportunity to do it better,” Copps said.
Without a coupon, converters are available through most electronic stores for a cost of $45 to $80. However, some students doubt whether everyone will be able to afford one.
“It will probably affect the people on limited or fixed incomes the most,” junior business administration major Samer Khalil said.
Yet, relief may soon be on its way. With the $650 million in additional funding included in the stimulus bill President Obama signed earlier this month, the backlog of 4 million coupons can be cleared up in a matter of weeks.
“The additional four months provided by the law affords urgently-needed time for a more phased transition, including a consumer-friendly converter box coupon program, stepped-up consumer outreach and support, particularly for vulnerable populations, and dealing with coverage, antenna and reception issues that went too long unaddressed,” Copps said.
When the transition does occur, the FCC notes that new antennas and “re-scans” may be necessary to receive all channels clearly.
Opinions on how the switch from analog to digital will affect Azusa Pacific students and faculty are varying.
“It doesn’t affect me a whole lot since I don’t watch a lot of TV,” Khalil said.
Senior computer science major Zachary Lippard felt differently.
“The switch to digital cable is beneficial. Digital is better than analog; it is just better quality from the signal,” Lippard said.
Since analog channels have largely remained the same since the 1950s, some people find it hard to believe the transition will actually make a difference, but many believe it will.
“In the past we did not have this high resolution image. I bought the converter and with the converter I get more channels,” Department of Computer Science Assistant Professor Dr. Sheldon Liang said. “Digital cable is a great change that will improve the quality of life.”
For those who still need the converter, the FCC suggests immediate action.
FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell said, “If you need a converter box, get it today, hook it up today and start enjoying the benefits of digital television today.”
