Article Seven: June 14

article used:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/13/business/media/13digital.html?_r=1&ref=technology

Our society loves TV, what would we do without it? Well the TV world is changing faster than ever. We have all heard about broadcasts switching to digital, well now that time has come. Everyone has been warned that if they do not have digital capabilities then they will no longer be able to watch TV after this is in full motion.

According to Nielsen, about 2.8 million homes are completely unprepared for the transition. People need to realize that after this transition bunny ears will no longer work. It is said that an additional 9.5 million homes are only partly ready. The National Association of Broadcasters said the early call volumes were “low to moderate” but the stations in states where more people were not ready had a higher call volume. However, the majority are prepared because they either have cable or satellite and do not rely on over-the-air signals (Stelter). Many people who called claimed they did not know about the transition, despite incessant TV advertising and community outreach. Nearly 700,000 calls were received by a federal hot line this week from people confused about the nationwide switch from analog to digital TV broadcasts that occurred Friday. "Our job is far from over," acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps said in a statement.” This transition is not a one-day affair. We have known about re-scanning and receptions issues for some time and have been doing our best to get the word out (Nakashima 1)."

Nevertheless, I think this transition is good and I think that it is ridiculous that so many people didn’t know that this change was coming. I don’t think this change is bad; everything now is becoming digital so it is not surprising that TV would digital. I think our society needs to stay up to date with what is changing.

References:
Nakashima, Ryan. Digital TV hot line gets 700,000 calls over switch. 13 June 2009. 14 June 2009 http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090613/ap_on_hi_te/us_digital_tv_transition.

Stelter, Brian. After Long Wait, Stations Switch Off Analog. 12 June 2009. 14 June 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/13/business/media/13digital.html?_r=2&ref=technology.