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NAD Advocates for Smooth Transition to Digital Television

By advocacy | May 1, 2007

Posted: May 1, 2007

Digital Television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that offers improved quality picture and sound.  Today, most TV stations are broadcasting in “analog” and “digital.” 

In February 2009, analog TV broadcasting will end.  After February 2009, TV broadcasting will be digital.  After February 2009, people who get their TV signal “over the air” (using a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ear”) will have to get digital-to-analog converter boxes to watch TV.  The NAD is concerned that these digital-to-analog converter boxes may not pass along closed captions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and video descriptions for people who are blind. 

For more information about DTV, visit www.dtv.gov.

If you are concerned, contact the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).  Send your message to bmcguire-rivera@ntia.doc.gov and awilhelm@ntia.doc.gov. 

Sample Message: 

I read that in February 2009, analog TV broadcasting will end.  I understand that, after February 2009, people who get their TV signal “over the air” (using a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears”) will have to get digital-to-analog converter boxes to watch TV. 

I am concerned that the digital-to-analog converter box may not pass along closed captions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and video descriptions for people who are blind.  People who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who are blind rely on closed captions and video descriptions to get the same news, entertainment, and information everyone else takes for granted. 

The development of the digital-to-analog converter box must be closely monitored so that people who depend on closed captions and video descriptions have equal access to TV in February 2009.  The conversion in February 2009 must not force people to buy digital TVs, or force people to subscribe to cable, satellite, or other pay-for-TV services, just to have access to closed captions or video descriptions.  What is the government doing to make sure closed captions and video descriptions will be transmitted through the digital-to-analog converter box?

Sincerely,

[add your name, address, email]

Topics: General |

One Response to “NAD Advocates for Smooth Transition to Digital Television”

  1. Digital TV Converter Box Says:
    June 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    Excellent site, good info. I am looking forward to more on the subject of DTV.

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