NEW YORK — Starting in the morning and going into the night, TV stations across the U.S. are cutting their analog signals Friday, ending a six-decade era for the technology and likely stranding more than 1 million unprepared homes without TV service.
The Federal Communications Commission put 4,000 operators on standby for calls from confused viewers, and set up demonstration centers in several cities. Volunteer groups and local government agencies were helping elderly viewers set up digital converter boxes that keep older TVs functioning.
“When you’re alone like me, that’s my partner,” Patricia Bruchalski, 82, said about her TV.
Bruchalski, a pianist and former opera singer who lives in Brooklyn Park, Md., got assistance Thursday from Anne Arundel County’s Department of Aging and Disabilities and a community organization called Partners in Care. After her converter box was installed, Bruchalski marveled that digital broadcasts seemed clearer and gave her more channels — about 15 instead of the three she was used to.
“You’re going to be up all night watching TV now,” volunteer installer Rick Ebling told her.
A survey sponsored by broadcasters showed that Americans are well aware of the analog shutdown, thanks to a yearlong barrage of TV ads. But not everyone was sure exactly what it means, or what needs to be done to tune in to digital TV.
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This will be like the Roman bread and circuses scenerio. No TV – the mobs will be screaming and they will direct their angry to the ruling classes – politicians. I’m on satellite and should be abe to watch the chaos with impunity. Since this will happen under a Democrat run administration, this will be placed at the feet of the Dems and Obama. We’ll see if the masses lose a little “love” for all things government controlled. I want my remote, and I want it NOW.
Indeed.
It’s lucky for the Republicans that memories are short – this bit of lunacy courtasy of your friendly neighbourhood GoP under (once again) the guise of keeping people safe.
Much like the passport issue the public was informed, informed and informed again about the changes coming and what to do to prepare. If they are not prepared by now they never would have been.