How to Find Out if You're Totally F'd on February 17
Scare tactics
 

kvbcplug.JPG

Because this is the television industry's idea of fun, Las Vegas' KVBC decided to show viewers what it'll be like on Feb. 17, 2009, the veritable Y2K of the decade, when broadcasters follow FCC mandate and eliminate analog broadcasts. So for each of the channel's seven daily newscasts, they "stopped feeding its normal programming into its studio-to-transmitter link and instead ran a brief clip of simulated static," because THIS IS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO HAVE TV TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU. "The simulated blackouts, which included footage of an actual cable being pulled, began with Friday's 5 a.m. newscast. KVBC anchors explained to viewers that those who could still see them after they "pulled the plug" have nothing to worry about come February 2009—those who got only white snow, however, need to act now to make their sets DTV-ready."

What did it look like?

Watch the clip here.

[B&C]

May 5, 2008 · 0 views (beta) · Link · 4 Responses
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Comments (4)

No. 1 · julie

I still cannot believe this is happening. Our government in forcing us to get cable. How did this happen? I have two tvs that are not hooked up. One in my bathroom (to watch GMA in the am) and one in my kitchen (to watch mostly the news when im cooking) Why arent people protesting this? Why didnt we get a chance to vote on it? What will happen to access channels and Pbs? They are supposed to be for the people. And if we already pay so much for tv, why do we still have to watch commercials, which were supposed to pay for tv in the first place?

Posted: May 5, 2008 at 2:02 pm · @Reply · [Flag?]
No. 2 · Bev

You don't need to get cable.
How to Prepare - Serveral Options

* Purchase a DTV Converter (Coupons Available)
* Purchase a DTV Converter w/ Enhanced Features (Coupons Not Available)
* Purchase a Television with a Built-In Digital Tuner
* Connect to Cable, Satellite, or Other Pay TV Service

Advantages of a DTV Converter & Digital TV Set (Over Pay TV Service)

* Free access to extra digital channels that provide different programs.
* No monthly fee associated with pay TV services like satellite or cable.

Coupons for DTV Converters

* Each household in America can request up to two coupons from the government to use toward the purchase of certain converters. Each coupon is worth $40. Typical converters range in cost between $50 to $70. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are issued.
* Call 1-888-DTV-2009 or 1-888-388-2009 or visit http://www.dtv2009.gov to apply for your coupons.
* Coupons are only usable for government certified manufactured converters at government certified retailers (e.g., Best Buy and Wal-Mart). For the current list of approved retailers and DTV converter brands, please visit http://www.dtv2009.gov

Posted: May 6, 2008 at 2:38 pm · @Reply · [Flag?]
No. 3 · Bev

Oh yeah, PBS and access channels also still will be free over the air as will all local broadcast stations - you just need that converter box for your analog TV. If you have recently bought a new TV it will already have a digital converter box within it.

Posted: May 6, 2008 at 2:41 pm · @Reply · [Flag?]
No. 4 · Jay

Great Stuff. Going to linkback to your opinion on my site if you don't mind.

Posted: May 9, 2008 at 5:24 pm · @Reply · [Flag?]
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