Filed under: Industry

This is a really interesting report of the affects of the digital transition on ratings. Like the fact that "TV stations that transitioned to digital only experienced an 8 percent share decline immediately following the analog shut-off." But even more interesting is this that same number goes up to 13 percent if the broadcaster switched from UHF to VHF because of reception problems -- no wonder some broadcasters are going back to UHF. The other thing that piqued our interest was that cable companies seemed to be the real winners here as 18.2 percent of those facing the decision to buy a converter box, just ordered cable instead -- little do they know that they are just putting off getting a box.

[Via TVB]

Nielsen reports the affects of the digital transition originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Regulatory

The MPAA can't stop, won't stop trying to cut out that pesky analog loophole, and it has returned to the FCC's gates once again requesting permission for selective output control: the ability to disable consumers unprotected (read: HDCP-less) video outputs at its discretion. According to Ars Technica the new argument is that the Consumer Electronics Association and everyone else who hates this idea are simply holding back technology, which the studios would love to use to provide a glorious utopia of early release films available via video on-demand. The request has been smacked down more than once before, but this is the first time it's come up with the new administration so it's anyone's guess what will happen, but we'd keep those petition signing fingers at the ready, just in case. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via Ars Technica]

MPAA still trying to close the analog hole: Now with new, more inane arguments originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, OTA

Warranted or not, there has always been a stigma against UHF stations -- greatest Weird Al Yankovic movie ever -- so maybe that had something to do with many broadcasters electing to move back to their original frequency assignment after the digital transition. Whatever the reason, some broadcasters quickly realized the advantages of UHF over VHF when it comes to ATSC and have petitioned the FCC to move back. This is good news for everyone having problems pulling in those signals, but it really makes us wonder why the FCC didn't just standardize on UHF when it had the chance. At any rate, the moral of the story is that if you're having problems receiving your favorite VHF stations after the transition, don't hesitate to be vocal about it; because who knows, maybe they'll actually listen and move to UHF as well. The cool part is that moving frequencies is a pretty painless process thanks to virtual channel numbers -- unless of course you're using Windows Media Center.

A few broadcasters are moving back to UHF originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

With the analog shutoff safely in the rear view mirror, CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) president Gary Shapiro took some time to talk about the move to our new digital airwaves (and also looked ahead to our 3D futures). All in all, some pretty interesting reading, but he makes a great point in chiding the broadcast industry -- by waiting until the last minute to get onboard the HD bandwagon, broadcasters missed out on what could have been positive market differentiation for their services versus cable and satellite. All's well that ends well, though, and we're just gad the plug got pulled on analog (with few casualties to boot), and we'd like the CEA president should know we celebrated the move.

[Via DailyWireless, image courtesy CEA]

CEA president Shapiro talks DTV transition originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, OTA

In case you still needed a digital TV heads up, the end of this month is your last opportunity to nab a $40 coupon for a converter box. Seeing as how they're actually available, and the DTV switch has been in effect for a few weeks you'd think anyone in need would have long looked into this already, but just in case you're waiting until the last moment, the L.A. Times mentions July 31 is the cutoff. Anyone know someone that went from OTA bliss to a blank TV June 12 and still hasn't upgraded yet?

[Via L.A. Times]

DTV converter coupon deadline is July 31, anyone still need one? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Regulatory, OTA

Did you catch the sound of a falling tree in an empty woods this past weekend? In case you didn't hear it, analog "nightlight" transmissions went dark Sunday -- which amounted to 121 stations in 87 markets signing off for the last time. Absent the nightlight info screens, rock-dwellers will now have to emerge from their hermitages to figure out what happened to their TVs, but as we say in the 21st century, "them's the breaks." Aside from areas being served by analog translator and/or low power service, this marks the end of the analog broadcast TV era. Way to go, America -- we haven't heard any reports of riots or mass hysteria, and we'd dare say the citizenry handled this tech transition better than the millenium bug.

Analog TV says goodnight originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory

And to think we've been worrying about all those poor people who weren't ready for the DTV transition, only to find out that they don't even watch TV. We mean, what other explanation could you have for the fact that it's been solid week after the big analog shutoff and 2.1 million households still can't watch TV. Of course not all of these people just let the DTV transition pass them by, some of them are affected by the reception problems, and others probably don't even understand the question. Either way we'll find out soon enough as most broadcasters should be full power by July 1st and no doubt Nielsen will have the results of another poll out by then.

2.1 million households let the DTV transition pass them by originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, Regulatory, OTA

The day is finally here, after the pushback and staggered changeover, analog television broadcasts across the country are giving way to a future of digital TV and making room for new services to take over the airwaves soon. Still, after months of announcements, coupons sent and many dollars spent there are still millions who will be caught unawares as their television blinks off today. It's been an incredibly long time coming, so take a look back at some of our coverage of the run up to the digital TV switch, and why not drop us a line to let us know of any interesting local coverage in your area or experiences (procrastination-fueled runs on converter boxes, transition gaffes, mob violence) going on. A roundup of FCC links and national press coverage is after the break.

Engadget's lead-up coverage:

T-minus one year till the US analog shutoff: are you ready?
The original DTV transition: what could've been
President Obama signs DTV delay bill into law
Digital TV transition spoof video is both informative and hilarious
Wilmington, NC kills analog dead as broadcasters go all-digital

Continue reading Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going?

Digital TV transition: 12 hours in, how are things going? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, Cable, OTA, Satellite

With mere hours separating us from an analog TV broadcast-free existence, Harris has released poll results indicating many may switch to free OTA broadcasts, shutting off their current cable and satellite subscriptions. The way we see it, the 55 percent indicating they were either somewhat or very likely to switch to antenna probably represent many people who are only just finding out you can get HDTV without paying for service -- not to mention those who are paying and not even watching high definition at all. Still, with the channels available on digital TV broadcasts plus online streaming, there's a lot more choices, anyone else stepping back from their pay-TV habit?

Will the DTV transition get more people watching OTA television? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, OTA

In the last update before analog TV goes off after June 12, Nielsen's results indicate 2.5% of, or 2.8 million U.S. homes are still completely unready and will be cut off after it goes through. That's around three million less than it was the last time we were this close to the DTV transition, hopefully all reading this are on the digital television ready side (six easy steps right here.) Don't forget, many stations are switching at different times, so check your local broadcasters before rescanning so you don't have to do it twice, Friday night / Saturday morning is probably your best bet.

Nielsen's final pre analog shutoff survey finds 2.5% still unready originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Regulatory, OTA

Just in case you were living in fear of another last minute switch on the digital TV transition date, be at ease, President Obama issued a statement urging those who aren't ready yet to prepare, as there will be no further delays, and that those of us in the know make sure that people around the way are getting the message. With a week to go (again) is there anyone still reading this that hasn't gotten their digital TV future straightened out yet?

With a week to go, Obama urges the remaining few to make DTV preparations originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Ask Engadget HD, Set-top boxes, Tuners, OTA

As we can tell, not everyone is the type of person that gets ready for things ahead of time, there's always one guy waiting until the very end of the deadline to get things done and for once, it's not us. Enter Sam, owner of an older analog HDTV that isn't currently hooked up to satellite or cable. With a DTV converter coupon burning through his pocket, his question is simple, what's the best DTV tuner out there?

"I bought a brand new HDTV before the holidays and moved my old Toshiba down to the basement, right now there's just an antenna and an old DVD player connected to it. I figure a second Blu-ray player wouldn't hurt, and at least until I get another satellite receiver hooked up I'll just use an antenna to watch the game on Sunday. Of course, I didn't think of picking up a digital TV tuner until now and I'm already missing a few local stations, but there's so many to pick from, any suggestions?"

Alright, we know a few of you are still kicking it old school with strictly antenna setups and have been ready for the analog shutoff for quite some time, so you probably have plenty of experience with different digital TV converter boxes by now. Give Sam (and everyone else) the benefit of your knowledge before it's too late.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best digital TV converter box? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 27 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, OTA

Want a preview of what things will be like June 12? A coordinated shut off soft test on May 12 spurred a record 55,000 calls to the FCC's help line on May 12. Even after the delay, of the 3 million or so estimated households still completely unready it's a far bet that the first few days of the transition to all digital television will bring even more calls to figure out what to do.

FCC received record 55,000 calls after analog shut off test originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 25 May 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, OTA

We're finally within range of the DTV switch (and using this image again), and Nielsen is reporting it estimates only 3.3 million or 2.9% of U.S. households are still unready for the days after June 12. That's 200k less than when we last checked in and it looks like this should be the time everything actually happens. Got your switch throwing outfits all laid out?

One month to analog shutoff: DTV Unreadiness drops below 3 percent originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 13 May 2009 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

With less than 5-percent of US homes failing to make it under the analog shutoff limbo stick (and still a month to go), there's no reason that come June 12th a whole lot of stations won't be conducting their own shutoff festivities. Just to make sure that there won't be a pack of digital lemmings headed for a step function-like cliff, the US Senate has introduced the DTV Cliff Effect Assistance Act, which allocates $125 million through 2012 to help pay for digital repeaters and translators to fill in those areas that will go uncovered after the switch occurs. This is government money, so you know there's a few strings attached -- in this case, the new bits of infrastructure will also have to serve up wireless communications and broadband traffic where possible. Let's see -- more people with DTV and broadband wireless coverage? Add a tick in the "yes" column for us, please!

US Senate intros bill to keep people from falling off the "digital cliff" originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 10 May 2009 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Misc, OTA

The digital TV transition is (finally) almost here (again,) but as frustrating as it's been for us watching TV, there's been considerable planning and equipment in place for broadcasters that is where the actual change happens. Check out this YouTube video (embedded after the break) of CET Cincinnati signing off of analog broadcasts for the last time just a few days ago. It's safe to assume this is the most excited you'll see people about a button press/lever pull all day.

[Thanks, Matt]

Want to know what the analog shutoff looks like on site? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 06 May 2009 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

Here we are, a little more than a month away from the February 17 June 12 analog shutoff date, and sure enough, more people have grabbed hold of a digital tuner in one device or another. According to Nielsen, the number of unprepared homes is now at 3.1-percent (3.5-million homes). To put that in perspective, recall that at the start of February, we were sitting at 5.1-percent. We're pretty impressed that the number has moved below the 5-percent mark, and certainly a lot of credit goes to stations that went ahead with the switch ahead of the June 12 deadline. Zeno and his paradox aside, we've got high hopes that the June 12th date is going to stick, folks!

DTV preparedness now more than 95-percent originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 01 May 2009 22:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, OTA

The number of DTV unready homes continues its slide downward, with Nielsen reporting an additional 610,000 prepared as of April 1, leaving 3.8 million to go. Representing 3.4% of U.S. households still unready, that's only a slight uptick over the pace of previous months, but with coupons rolling out it certainly seems that everything is moving smoothly towards the new June 12 deadline.

Number of DTV unready homes drops to 3.8 million originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Other formats, Other hardware, Others

We were pretty excited to see analog TVs disappear from store shelves; delays in the analog shutoff aside, it was a big move in the right direction. But wouldn't you know it, there's a niche market that still legitimately needs to move video around to analog-only endpoints -- security cameras, commercial distribution systems and MDU (multiple dwelling units) setups, for example. Users of such systems who haven't stocked up on analog sets will be glad to know Motorola's got them covered with the QUE100 QAM MicroEncoder. The svelte rack-mountable units will soak up 2, 4, 8 or 12 (depending on model) standard definition MPEG-2 video feeds along with their audio and put them all into a single QAM output that can be tuned on those newfangled digital tuners.

Motorola's QUE100 MicroEncoder lets analog sources and digital displays to play nice originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Cable

While RCN has been crushing analog all over America, it's Cablevision making the decision to totally nix the sale of analog service by 2010. Granted, only five percent of its 3.1 million video customers currently receive its analog expanded basic package, but it's still a move in the right direction. Of note, those folks currently receiving analog will still get their fix when we ring in the next new year, but the carrier will no longer be marketing those analog services after 2009. Remember kids, less analog means more space. And more space means more channels. And more channels often means more HD.

Cablevision to stop selling analog TV by year's end originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, OTA

More good news for the digital TV switch, as Nielsen's latest update pegs just 3.9 percent, an improvement of 570,000 homes over last month. The older you are, the more likely you're prepared as the over 55 age group is down to just 2.2 percent unready. Now that the coupon program is funded and running again we wouldn't be surprised to see even more drastic drops before June 12, we're just waiting to grab a set that lights up.

Number of DTV unready households dips below 4 percent as of March 1 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: OTA

Predictably, some folks aren't getting the same reception they used to now that analog broadcasts have (partially) shut off. An AP report featured in USA Today cited stats showing half of the 25,000 calls to the FCC on February 18 were because of reception or antenna issues. As we've known, the effect of the digital cliff and obstructions can make continuing to receive OTA channels a dicey affair depending on where you live. Some have given in and subscribed to cable or satellite, while others are still experimenting with antenna placement, waiting for higher power broadcasts or tower moves, and some have just learned to live without it. Any DTV tales of woe and/or triumph now that we're a couple of weeks past the first stage of the switch?

DTV switch rough going for some originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, OTA

The elderly have been slightly behind in picking up on the DTV transition, so news of a frustrated 70-year old Missouri man doesn't surprise us too much. That the combination of losing his cable and being unable to get a DTV converter working drove him to shoot his TV and cause a short standoff with the police? A bit more shocking. All, however, is explained in one line: "According to the man's wife, he had been drinking." Please, spare your TV and follow instructions.

[Via Multichannel News, Image courtesy of Phrank.com / Sledge Hammer]

DTV switch doesn't kill TVs, drunk septuagenarians with guns kill TVs originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Cable, Fiber, Satellite, New content

Seriously, ION, this is getting ridiculous. With a healthy dose of spin, ION TV is delaying its planned February 16 HD launch by a month so it will not coincide with the confusion around the DTV transition. We'll admit that the state of the analog shutoff is a real mess, but somehow we think that any money-making enterprise would want to sweep in with HD content and sign up customers sooner rather than later; you know, before people discover a little something called OTA HD or decide DTV is just fine for them, HD or not. Anyhow, the service is now planning to pull the HD trigger in 20 markets on March 16, and then 25 more markets on what we assume will be perfectly normal, nonconfusing days later in the year.

ION scared off by the DTV transition, postpones debut another month originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, OTA

A day into what could have been the all digital broadcasting future, it's hard to tell how the switch is going over. So far the National Association of Broadcasters came out with a statement indicating "encouraging" results, with only a few hundred calls logged in several markets that made the switch to all digital and easy over the phone fixes for most issues. At the same time the AP found confusion caused by print ads scheduled prior to the delay containing out of date information and visited a Rhode Island information center with phones ringing off the hook from callers trying to figure out where their analog TV went. Until things blow over we're not leaving the fortified and cable / satellite / FiOS connected Engadget bunker (you didn't think we were letting that CES trailer go just yet, did you?) until things blow over, let us know how the partially analog TV free world looks where you are.

Read - NAB Statement on Feb. 17 Markets Switching to Digital TV
Read - 25% of analog TV signals cut off

How well is the DTV switch going? Depends who you ask originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry

When the FCC denied about 25 percent of the broadcasters who wanted to go early from going on the original date, the first thing that we wanted to know was which ones? The good news is that FCC has finally posted a comprehensive list of every high powered station in the country and who went all digital today. Out of the 106 the FCC originally had objections to shutting down analog, 53 worked it out, 10 are still trying, and 43 actually agreed to delay. In total, about 36 percent of the 1796 full power stations made the switch (outlined in red in the linked xls spreadsheet) today, with 115 days and counting until the rest do.


[Via HomeTheaterMag]

Read -- 43 stations who agreed not to shut off analog. (xls)
Read -- 641 stations that completed the transition today (xls)

The FCC releases the Go-NoGo analog shutoff list originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: OTA

Sure, Tuesday the 17th doesn't hold the same luster as before, but a key reason for this day coming and passing is the converter coupon program running out of cash. The waiting list recently measured around 4 million strong, with 100,000 or so coupons going out each day as older ones expired and freed up funds. It'll only take two weeks to clear the list completely once the additional funding from the stimulus package comes through, unfortunately too late to avoid a pushback of the DTV switch. Waiting for a coupon and live in a place where all / most of the stations are shutting off analog today? You're still on the same first-come, first-served list as everyone else, but we're sure you followed our advice and picked up the necessary equipment with plenty of time to spare.

Converter coupon waitlist still 4 million deep originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

For the five percent of you who managed to miss the whole analog TV shutoff debacle, select Best Buy locations will be blaring out hourly PSA-style announcements in-store, just to bring you up to speed. Even if you can't hear the hourly chime of impending analog Armageddon over the din of everyday Best Buy activity, personnel milling about in "DTV Blackout Prevention" tees should clue you in to the fact that something is going on. That's your cue to ask what the big deal is, whereupon your salesperson will encourage you to act without delay to keep the OTA flowing into your eyeballs. If you've put things off this long, though, you'll be able to procrastinate another four months, right? Seriously -- just pick up a new converter box if there's one on the shelf, because we really don't want to postpone the switch again, mkay?

Best Buy wants to annoy you into a converter box, takes the DTV PSAs in-store originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Regulatory, OTA

In the daily DTV transition update, the FCC saw fit to hold up 123 of 491 stations planning to shut off analog TV on February 17, based on factors like whether or not there would be any stations still available in a given market. Those 123 can still make a case for going all digital by tomorrow evening, so even this list is not the final one. As it is, 368 stations are definitely making the switch, but with 5 days to go we still don't have a complete list of who is doing what, when, so stay tuned (if you can.)

FCC approves 368 of 491 stations switching off analog Tuesday originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Regulatory, OTA

Though the prez still hasn't signed off on the delay, the FCC has already compiled a list of 190 TV stations going / gone all digital prior to February 17, plus 491 more that will go ahead with the shutoff as previously scheduled. The four major networks promised their stations will stay on analog until the new June 12 deadline, however that guarantee only extends to the 100 or so they own. If that's not confusing enough, the FCC could still influence broadcasters to keep analog signals going whether they want to or not based on "the public interest," for example if it's necessary to keep at least some stations on in any given market. As it stands, the linked PDFs below will reveal which, if any, of your local broadcasters are switching on Tuesday; hopefully you've followed our advice so far and continue to avoid any predatory schemes.

Read - Appendix A (List of all stations ending analog service before or on February 17)
Read - Appendix B (List of all full power TV stations, with the 681 stations ending service on or before February 17 indicated in bold)

491 stations still shutting off analog TV next week originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An estimated 40 per cent of US TV stations plan to make the switchover to digital from 17 February.
This is despite the recent approval of a congressional bill supporting a four-month delay of the transition from analog to digital TV signals.

London's Crystal Palace transmitter has been fitted with equipment necessary for high definition test transmissions to be carried out.
The modulator equipped for test transmissions using the new DVB-T2 transmission standard was provided by Enensys.

The US House of Representatives has approved a delay in the cutoff date for analog television broadcasts.
The delay is to give more time to the estimated 6.5 million people unprepared for the switchover to digital broadcasts.

Filed under: Misc, OTA

As of February 1, Nielsen is calling 5.8 million homes still completely unready for the DTV transition, 5.1 percent of the population. That's up 700,000 from last month, but still apparently enough to put the kibosh on a February shutoff across the country. Albuquerque-Santa Fe still leads/trails all markets, we'll see if they get any special attention from the FCC and others over the next few months.

Latest Nielsen figures put DTV unreadiness at 5.1% originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, OTA

In one of what's sure to be many opinions on the now-inevitable DTV deadline shifting from later this month to June, CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro pledged support for a successful transition, including devoting part of an upcoming event to DTV education, but worries how the change may affect retailers and manufacturers. Since they had planned their reserves and resupplies around a transition this month, he apparently sees a scenario where we could have plenty of DTV converter coupons, and no boxes to buy. Honestly, we think he may be overestimating our initiative, since most (or at least the 39%+ that won't still switch this month anyway) unprepared will hit the snooze button until it becomes entirely mandatory, and the total number of homes that require a digital TV box isn't going to suddenly go up, so there should be plenty to go around, right?

CEA worries DTV delay could cause a converter shortage originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The city of Coulommiers near Paris is the first in France to make the switch over to digital TV as part of a pilot project ahead of the full national transition.
France Télé Numérique said 94 per cent of households in the city of 14,700 were equipped with at least one digital TV set 20 days before the switchover.

Filed under: Industry, OTA

The House Rules Committee should be deciding the fate of a possible DTV delay right about now, but no matter what happens, many stations will be shutting down analog broadcasts no matter what. Broadcast Engineering talked to WTVP-TV in Peoria's general manager who claims the station will save $7 - $10k per month in power costs alone, and as such wants to stick with the original transition date rather than continuing to power two transmitters. Two other stations in the area, WEEK-TV and WHOI-TV intend to shut down before June 12 no matter what, assuming the FCC lets them, and they are not alone. Of course, there's still some dispute over how many stations will be able to switch early if the delay passes, due to possible interference with other stations in the area, and thne concerns over how quickly public safety groups can slide into the open spectrum. The final consideration offered: while the current transition date is in the middle of winter weather up north, many coastal states will be two weeks into hurricane season at the time of the June 12 cutoff.

How many broadcasters will switch off analog in February no matter what? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Speakers, Others

In a bit of a creative leap, loudspeaker manufacturer Klipsch is launching a marketing campaign that ties in with the (probably soon-to-be delayed) DTV transition. We're on board with the catchphrase "A high-def picture demands high-def sound," but let's be clear -- the DTV transition isn't going to bring 24/7 high-def video to all your OTA channels, and it certainly isn't going to mean high-def sound will be filling the airwaves, either. Like we said, though, it's hard to deny the fact that most people aren't aware of how atrocious most TVs sound, or how spending a little money on some new speakers can really increase their enjoyment of their systems. Klipsch is hoping its HD Theater 300, 500 and 1000 systems are an ear- and wallet-opening experience for them. So, are you willing to forgive a bit of a marketing stretch for a good cause, or do you lump this right in with cable companies using the DTV transition to scare customers into digital tiers?

Klipsch horns in on DTV transition madness originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A bill intended to delay the US's transition to digital TV has been defeated in the House of Representatives.
An estimated 6.5 million Americans are not yet prepared for the switch, which now reverts back to the original date of 17 February.

Filed under: Regulatory, OTA

Now that Senator Jay Rockefeller's bill seems likely to pass, we're able to find out more about it, and what compromises were made. Besides heaping blame upon the outgoing administration for this mess (and rightfully so, but since most of the people on Capitol Hill today have been there for several years -- albeit in different positions -- we figure there's plenty to go around), a statement notes this should be the last delay "barring emergencies" but don't expect any guarantees just yet. As it stands, while we still wait for that additional funding to come through for the converter coupon program the bill will allow the NTIA to re-issue coupons to households with expired, unused ones, while letting broadcasters shut off analog before the new June 12 deadline and public safety organizations use the now-vacated spectrum once it's available. Is 115 days enough/too much to straighten things out, or just the new administration delaying what seems like an inevitable PR disaster? Expect more details once it comes to a vote next week.

Rockefeller details DTV Delay Act: No guarantees this is the only one, stations can go all-digital before June originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: OTA

One one hand, it's nice to see that the number of U.S. households not ready for the coming analog TV shutoff dropped to 5.7% from 7.7% back in October, but then comes the sobering realization that with 26 days to go, around 6.5 million homes still don't have the necessary equipment to get digital TV. Coming straight from the latest Nielsen report, Albuquerque-Santa Fe, Dallas-Ft. Worth and Houston top the charts for digital unready markets, with African American and Hispanic households still lagging in percentages of unready homes. Of course, we still don't know if things will take place on schedule, but barring a delay, have a look around and make sure people in your community are ready (or as ready as they can be until the coupon program is back up and running.)

5.7% (6.5 million) U.S. homes still not DTV ready originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Cable

RCN's Analog Crush initiative has been steamrolling for a few months now, and according to the cable carrier, the elimination of old school analog is all but complete in its major markets. By the end of January, RCN anticipates 100% digital penetration in the Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Chicago markets, which will free up spectrum in order to get more HD (and SD, and international) programming onto the EPG. In fact, the company is hoping to surpass 100 high-definition channels by March, which makes us wonder why every other cable company out there isn't on this very same warpath.

[Image courtesy of TJooning]

RCN's Analog Crush nears completion, 100 HD channels coming soon originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, NBC, OTA

Why wait? Rapid City, SD NBC affiliate KNBN went full digital on Monday at 5 a.m., apparently in an effort to get ready for its Super bowl broadcast February 1, even though the federally mandated analog shutoff isn't until February 17. The Rapid City Journal quoted vice president and general manager Jim Simpson saying most calls since the switch were solved by simply rescanning for the new signal -- could it all be so simple?

Rapid City, SD NBC affiliate makes an early, surprisingly smooth, jump to DTV originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory

In December of 2007, we candidly wondered if 2008 would be the year for selectable output control. We reckon we should re-pose the question with "2008" replacing "2007." Broadcasting and Cable is reporting that Kevin Martin doesn't support Hollywood's request for selectable outputs, noting that the final decision would have to wait for the next chairman. It's widely expected that Martin will step down just days before Obama is sworn in, but in the January 15th meeting on the topic, he'll likely stifle the MPAA's plans. For those unaware, SOC would enable content to hit HD VOD outlets before DVD, but in exchange, it would only be allowed out of the set-top-box via encrypted digital outputs. Obviously, those with older TV sets wouldn't be able to take advantage, thus the chairman's hesitation to allow it. Maybe next year, Big Content.

[Via LA Times, image courtesy of DansData]

FCC chairman "doesn't support" Hollywood's request for selectable output originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, OTA

We'll warn you -- if you venture down to the full story on this one, you'll be wading knee-deep in some fairly technical hoopla. That said, those interested in exactly how Ofcom plans to get Freeview HD up and rolling when the 2012 digital switchover occurs in the UK will certainly find it of interest. As the story goes, the first three Freeview HD channels (BBC, ITV and Channel 4) are expected to go live in late 2009 when the Winter Hill transmitter is switched to digital-only. There are a grand total of six multiplexes to work with, and Ofcom has it planned to shuffle things around and use the now-empty PSB3 for high-def content. Sadly, the story ends with you needing a new set-top-box to digest the new signals, but hey, at least you can keep the same antenna. More technobabble awaits you in the read link.

Ofcom's road to Freeview HD gets explained originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Misc, Tuners, OTA

Just because America is ditching analog in favor of digital this February doesn't mean that it's the only nation on the planet with transition on the brain. In July 2011, the same type of cutover will go down in Japan, leaving an estimated 35 million televisions unable to view digital broadcasts. NEC Electronics is already on the ball, cranking out a system-on-chip that puts everything necessary to convert digital signals for use on old school analog sets into a nice, compact chip. The result? In theory, we should see some pretty diminutive DTV converters, but we all know how these set-top-box makers love to pack loads of hot air within unnecessarily large enclosures.

NEC intros comprehensive SoC for Japanese DTV converter boxes originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Tuners, OTA

Set your doomsday clocks for December 17 -- and no, scientists are not testing out their duct-tape fix to the LHC. Next Wednesday, Washington D.C. and 29 states will all put a toe in the analog shutoff waters on the same day. There's been no shortage of smaller scale tests that have passed without significant incident, but the test next week with t-minus two months to the real deal is the most widespread shutoff simulation yet. Thanks to the numerous PSAs, many people know all about the switchover, but the tests have helped OTA-users identify if they're safely in the digital footprint or "digital cliff dwellers" living on the edge of the digital coverage areas; we figure the roster of affected people will grow after next week. If your area is on the list, might we suggest stocking up on TV viewing in advance of the test?

Read - Multi-state analog shutoff
Read - List of participating broadcasters [PDF link]

29 States to participate in analog shutoff test next week originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, OTA, Satellite

We've known that a few good souls over in the UK have been fighting for more high-def for some time now, but a new report from across the pond asserts that Ofcom -- the independent regulator and competition authority for the communication industries in the United Kingdom -- has placed the "release of spectrum through the digital dividend at the top of its priorities, and promoting competition in pay-TV." It's also nearing a decision on whether it will forge ahead with proposals to force Sky to "offer some of its premium channels as part of a wholesale offer in spring 2009." In all honesty, it's tough to digest what exactly all this legalese means for the average UK content viewer, but so long as someone up top is pushing for more competition, we guess it can only result in a net positive.

Ofcom looks to promote pay-TV competition originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDTVs may seem wafer thin already but don't expect the drive for even slimmer models to stop anytime soon.
The Zoran Corporation has just announced a pair of new HDTV processors that should help set manufacturers shave a tad more off their future sets.

Filed under: OTA

The digital TV transition message may be getting through, with Nielsen stats for October showing the biggest drop in "digital unready" homes in the last six months, going from 8.4% to 7.7%. Could be the tests, the FCC warnings, PSAs, or just procrastination finally wearing off, but whatever it is lets hope the pace keeps up. Amusing & informative viral ads aside, the February 17 deadline continues to approach, although we're sure you're more than ready, right?

Number of digital TV ready homes jumped in October originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

For any Chicago-area readers not already enjoying tru2way bliss (or certain Engadget editors waiting around for another CableCARD install attempt), the full power broadcast TV stations in the area are running their own soft-shutdown of analog TV broadcasts at 6:53 a.m. and 5:23 p.m., sending anyone properly prepared for digital broadcasts a screen crawl to check all household TVs, while analog sets will get a fullscreen graphic directing them towards various informational resources, including a (hopefully) prepped and ready 311 call center to assist residents in making the switch. Know someone who still gets their TV OTA? Make sure they're watching TV at the appointed test times, or better yet send them a link to one of the available online resources, and then for some Harold's.

[Thanks, Stephen]

Chicagoland broadcasters testing analog shutdown today originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: DIY, Cables, Ports

Granted, we've already shown you how to actually take advantage of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, but if you're looking for a quick and dirty breakdown of what each audio codec means, what it can / can't do and how to wire things up with your current setup, Missing Remote's latest guide is for you. For starters, it hones in on Blu-ray audio format support -- quite relevant given the state of the format war these days -- and it continues on by explaining how to wire things up for superior results with S/PDIF, HDMI, analog, etc. There's even a special section dedicated to HTPC playback, which ought to help you folks not using a pre-fab deck. If you've been spinning your wheels of late in the wide world of multi-channel audio, have a look at the read link and see if things don't clear up.

High-def audio wiring guide removes the mystery originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA

While the US of A is gritting its teeth and hoping the world doesn't implode when it switches completely to digital TV next February, many other nations around the globe are just now setting up their own timeline. For China, the magic year looks to be 2015. Professor Huang Yong, the deputy editor-in-chief of China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, recently stated that program production would be "turned from analog to digital" seven years from now, though he didn't say what kind of technology would be used for digital broadcasting. Knowing China, though, it'll cook up something the rest of the globe has no interest in for the sake of saving on licensing fees.

[Image courtesy of DayLife]

China to give analog TV the boot by 2015 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, DVRs, Set-top boxes, Tuners, Cable

As switched digital video (SDV) rollouts continue, we're apt to hear more and more about how cable companies plan on handling the distribution of Tuning Adapters. We've already heard that Cox will be giving needy customers in Phoenix a TA for free, and Time Warner Cable New York recently sent out letters to CableCARD users informing them that their TAs may be handed out gratis. Now, we're seeing a pre-order page over at TWC's San Antonio site that clearly informs subscribers that the Tuning Adapter they request will be provided at no charge "later this year." If you're in or around this area and own a TiVo Series 3, TiVo HD or TiVo HD XL, now would probably be an excellent time to get your name on the list. For everyone else, have a look at your local carrier's page and let us know if it's doing something similar. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks, Lawrence]

Read - TWC San Antonio main site
Read - TWC San Antonio pre-order page

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Cable

RCN has been delivering the Analog Crush in a number of its markets, but this particular one was just too succulent to pass up. According to the carrier, it has "unfurled digital freedom" on its Delaware County, Pennsylvania subscribers, loosing them from the bondage that is analog. Starting next month, the company will begin transitioning said market to all-digital service, enabling it to "reclaim existing analog channels, improve the picture quality, make the network easier to maintain, and dramatically increase the number of standard and HD channels it can offer to subscribers." If RCN CEO and President Peter Aquino isn't blowing smoke, the outfit will be able to "increase its HD channels to more than 75 channels at launch -- with many more on the way." Man, maybe "unfurl" was the best explanation.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory

We know it must be terrifying, Milwaukee, to think of all those poor television viewers you may end up leaving in the dark, but at least you've seen other cities come before you and survive. Hot on the heels of Wilmington, NC killing the analog beams for realz, in flies word that a dozen Milwaukee, Wisconsin stations will be having a test of the digital TV conversion at around 5:10PM (local time) on September 15th. Obviously, viewers in the area will be warned beforehand, but we're sure a select few will choose to ignore the flashing hazard lights and suffer through a few agonizing minutes of fuzz. It's better they learn now, though.

[Image courtesy of CCAuthority, thanks John]

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Filed under: Sony, Satellite

Getting discerning Japanese viewers ready for the new SKY Perfect HDTV channels, Sony is launching an h.264 satellite dish / receiver combo, the SAS-HD1SET, due October 15. At ¥45,000 ($416 U.S.) or ¥37,000 ($342 U.S.) for the DST-HD1 tuner alone, it's a pretty expensive upgrade for 15 HDTV channels, with the promise of more than 70 by this time next year. Add-on the ¥35,000 monthly service charge and we're even more leery, but really, you'll need something to watch on that ultra thin LCD next month.

[Via AV Watch]

Read - SKY Perfect Communications to Launch HDTV Channels
Read - HDTV-enabled ska pa! CS digital broadcasting, set for release

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Filed under: Blu-ray, Players

Sherwood's been known mainly for its audio, but TWICE has the details on two new Blu-ray players on the way at CEDIA. Consisting of the high end $499 MSRP BDP-6003 and the mass market-targeted $299 BDP-5003 are both Bonus View Profile 1.1 players that upscale all content to 1080p and decode all Blu-ray audio formats, with the 6003 including 5.1 analog out, while the 5003 makes do with just stereo. Front mounted USB ports, DivX, JPEG and MP3 playback, HDMI 1.3 and Ethernet ports are consistent across both players, but we'll wait for a hands-on next week to see if analog surround sound is enough to bring this hardware on a level with the competition.

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Filed under: Cable

New York is next in line after Massachusetts and Chicago, with the New York Times' CityRoom blog reporting it is next in RCN's plan to rid itself bandwidth-wasting of analog cable TV. Starting October 1, basic cable customers will suddenly become digital cable customers, with a few extra channels for their trouble. Of course we're more concerned with the potential of adding more HDTV over the ten already added recently, but first things first. Expect official word to go out in September, with rates expected to stay the same -- at least until next year.

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Filed under: Regulatory, OTA

For anyone who's still confused about the digital television transition -- somehow missing the TV ads, radio spots, numerous articles and a part of the small minority not vigorously refreshing the Engadget HD front page -- the FCC is sending staff out on tour (sans the slick bus, didn't anyone tell them you've got to have a bus? It worked so well for HD DVD...ok maybe not such a great idea) to spread the 0 and 1 gospel. 23 cities identified as having more than 100,000 households or with at least 15% getting their TV strictly via antenna are on the list to be visited by a commissioner, while others will have to make do with mere staffers. FCC.gov has thedetails on when and where they'll be (warning: PDF read link), feel free to see when they're coming to your town. Will you save your ticket stubs to tell everyone "I was at digital switch '08"? (Note: FCCapolooza '08 is not actually converging on Haight-Ashbury in a phenomenon of cultural and political rebellion, but it would be much better if it were).

[Via Variety]

[Image courtesy of Supertouch Art]

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Filed under: OTA

In an effort to reduce the ZOMG surely to be experienced by whatever percentage of Wilmington, NC residents are unprepared for their early entry into a digital television-only world September 8, the city will perform a one minute Las Vegas-style "soft test" August 19 at 7:30 p.m., prompting customers with analog to upgrade their equipment to receive digital broadcasts. Readers have already reported seeing ads mentioning the upcoming early analog-shutoff, and it looks like the regions main broadcasters (WWAY, WECT, WILM and WSFX) appear to be doing all they can to get the word out, so everybody tell a friend, okay?

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Set-top boxes, OTA

Wilmington, North Carolina, come on down! It looks like Carol Brady will be enlisting the help of none other than Bob Barker in getting people to convert over to DTV. The former host of 'The Price is Right' has shot a public service announcements (PSAs) specifically for the guinea pigs of Wilmington, NC as well as a spot intended for nationwide consumption. Check out the link below to see the spot for yourself -- we've got admit that Bob Barker looks less aged than the TV.

Read - Watch Bob barker PSA

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Filed under: Regulatory, Tuners, OTA

Up until now, the digital TV transition test markets have seen their tests go over pretty smoothly. Wilmington, Las Vegas and Orlando were able to complete their respective trials without too many issues, but apparantly the folks up in the Pacific Northwest aren't nearly as prepared. During a 5:00PM newscast late last week, Seattle's KING 5 simulated an analog cutoff for around half a minute which presented users watching the analog signal with a "snowy" picture. Another test was scheduled for 10:00PM, but the outcry from individuals who "had their television reception interrupted" by the afternoon test forced a postponement. If any of you reading this now just happened to be one of those characters freaking out by the distorted imagery, do yourself a favor and click here to get prepared for the 2009 cutover.

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Filed under: Misc, Other hardware, Tuners

Although DISH Network's $59.99 DTVPal converter box went on sale late last month, you've had to order it via the DTVPal website or by phone... until now. The NTIA-approved (meaning you can use your $40 voucher on it) box will soon start surfacing in 511 Sears retail locations along with 194 Sears Dealer stores, meaning that you can actually get in your vehicle and pick one up should you choose to do so. For us introverts, we'd still much rather have a brown box dropped off at our doorstep, but oftentimes there's nothing like instant gratification.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Set-top boxes, OTA

The simulated analog shutoff carried out across 12 stations in Orlando, Florida came off with nary a hitch this past week. For the benefit of viewers, the stations broadcast a 10-second long pass/fail message for analog and digital viewers, respectively. The two Cox stations in the group, WFTV and WRDQ, reported that only 501 viewers called in to register their outrage at the brief interruption. Fully 146 of those calls came from analog Comcast customers who are fed a retransmitted OTA analog broadcast of WFTV. The second most popular group of complaints, 123 callers, were legitimate, though -- older TVs that pick up OTA-only. All said, it's a pretty good sign that the world will still be turning come February 18th.

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Filed under: Set-top boxes, Tuners

Heads-up, DTV holdouts. Your digital-to-analog converter box has arrived, and it's shipping right now. DISH Network's DTVPal (known as the Sling TR-40 in a previous life) can be snapped up as we speak from the DTVPal website or by phone. Best of all, the $59.99 box qualifies for the NTIA's coupon program, meaning that you can procure one for just $19.99 -- if your voucher hasn't expired yet, that is. For those still on the fence, you can check out a review of the box here.

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Filed under: Other hardware, OTA

Well in time for the analog shutoff, even for the test subjects in Wilmington, NC, Antennas Direct is rolling out its long-range UHF/VHF ClearStream2 antenna on June 30th. According to the linked press release, the company has started taking preorders for the C2. Based on the specs, this model could be a real life saver for many folks near the scary precipice that is the digital cliff -- a 50-mile range combined with a 70-degree swath, all from a 10 x 20-inch assembly. We spoke with a company rep who said there should be a "small batch" of these available as early as this week to those who place a pre-order for the $79 antenna.

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Filed under: Reviews

For those of you out there who have managed to hang on to your government-issued DTV voucher(s), this is probably the box you've been waiting for. CNET just wrapped up a review of the DTVPal (formerly known as the Sling TR-40), and overall, it couldn't find a whole lot to hate. The EPG was deemed "excellent," the analog pass-throughs were smiled upon and the "solid" reception seemed to delight. They did knock the "overcomplicated" remote and the lack of front-panel buttons, but in the end, those niggles didn't keep critics from calling it "a top choice" for folks on the hunt for a digital TV converter. Tracking one down before your coupon expires is apt to be the real challenge.

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Tuners, OTA

Okay, it's not that alarming, now is it? How often do you (or wait, let's use your neighbor in this example) let mailer coupons sit around, collect dust and expire? Yeah, exactly. According to a recent writeup over at WDEF-TV, around half of the 840,000 government-issued digital TV coupons have already expired before they were used, and interestingly enough, Congress may not be placing all of the blame on procrastination. It's said that many folks are still having a tough time tracking a converter box down, and judging by Ben's runaround a few months back, we guess we can sympathize. For those with recently expired vouchers, you may want to keep them around a few weeks longer -- if this proves to be too widespread, The Man may actually extend their useful life to enable more citizens to get discounts.

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Filed under: Regulatory, Cable

Last month you let us know in the comments how you felt about the MPAA's latest effort to close the analog hole -- by removing the FCC's ban on selectable output control (SOC), giving them the ability to remotely disable the analog output on your cable box -- now try telling someone who can actually do something about it. The FCC has opened the petition to public comment until June 25, and replies to comments by July 7. Currently, the MPAA is arguing that allowing SOC will actually hasten the digital transition, once it feels comfortable offering early release flicks on HD video-on-demand, people will have more incentive to upgrade their TV sets. Of course, owners of older HDTVs without HDMI connections or anyone else who'd rather use analog outs would be left in the dark, and Ars Technica notes the EFF and Home Recording Rights Coalition have already spoken out against the plan. Give the MPAA's proposal a read then let the FCC know which side of the line you fall on before it's too late.

[Via Ars Technica]

Read - MPAA proposal (warning: PDF link)
Read - FCC Electronic Comment File Submission (The docket number for field #1 ("proceeding") is 08-82.)

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Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Cable

Not like we haven't seen this happen a time or two already in the US, but we'd wager that Comcast's Washington, D.C. market is fairly sizable. Nevertheless, Comcast will be bumping a number of channels -- namely the D.C.-area ABC / NBC / FOX / CBS affiliates -- to digital only. In other words, those relying on analog service will have to upgrade to digital cable in order to continue viewing the affected stations. Granted, some 80% of subscribers in Annapolis and Anne Arundel already have digital cable (so says Comcast), and the changes are being made to open up space for potential HD expansion. Unfortunately, Comcast isn't following in the footsteps of certain other carriers and offering free digital adapters -- but hey, progress has to happen eventually, right?

[Image courtesy of Brent Nelson, thanks Harry]

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Filed under: Set-top boxes, OTA

We expected some potential issues concerning the analog TV shutoff next year, but even we (and apparently the Commerce Department) could not have predicted they'd run low on stamps necessary to send out $40 discount coupons for digital television converters. Apparently nearly 60% of the coupons sent out expired before they were actually used -- maybe people are waiting to see which digital converter to buy -- resulting in n unexpected number of new mailings. Funds from the unused coupons goes back to the program and will still be available for more requests, however the budgeted administrative funds to actually mail the things is limited, and may need to be expanded. According to Reuters, the NTIA should have a clearer picture after July 1, but this could cause some issues for those still waiting to request the discount.

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Filed under: Industry, Other hardware, Ports, Hitachi

Funny -- just this week we heard Hitachi President Kazuo Furukawa make mention of a forthcoming Wooonet networking scheme for its Wooo HDTVs, and now we're getting a few more details on potentially related peripherals. Analog Devices has just announced that its Advantiv technology is playing a huge role in the TP-WL700H. Said device is an ultra-wideband (UWB) based wireless transmission hub, which is currently available exclusively in Japan and designed to bring high-definition material to Wooo HDTVs sans extra cabling. There's not a peep about the unit ever heading Stateside, but given that everyone and their second cousin once removed is wondering when wireless HD will ever take off here, we'd sure like to see it make the journey.

[Image courtesy of Impress]

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