As previously reported, the FCC issued a blanket waiver permitting TV stations to turn off their analog as of February 17. However, a February 10 public notice re-emphasizes the potential for "limit[ing]" or "reconsider[ing]" that waiver "in the event that the Commission determines that analog termination on February 17 by a station or group of stations is contrary to the public interest."… Continue Reading
While nobody seriously doubts that the President will sign the DTV Delay Act into law, he had not done so as of Sunday, February 8 -- apparently because of a campaign commitment to bring "more sunlight" into the legislative process.… Continue Reading
Word just in from Capitol Hill indicates that the House has passed the DTV extension bill by a resounding 264-158 vote. The House reportedly accepted the Senate's approach, which provides for a We-Really-Mean-It-This-Time final date of June 12, 2009.… Continue Reading
This just in (at 1:04 p.m. on January 28): a 258-168 majority of the House has voted in favor of the DTV Delay Act, BUT that was NOT enough to pass the bill. Apparently, the House is now considering various arcane parliamentary options… Continue Reading
Trying to get a fix on exactly when the final DTV transition deadline will be has lately been a lot like trying to nail Jell-o to the wall. The Senate has voted unanimously in favor of extending the deadline from February 17 to June 12.… Continue Reading
The deadline is a statutory matter. The FCC technically has no say in the date. But that hasn't stopped a couple of the Commissioners from doing their best to muddy the already muddied waters just a little bit more.… Continue Reading
We're starting to hear rumblings that February 17 might have to step aside for some later date - to be determined - for the DTV transition.… Continue Reading
That loud clunking noise you heard a little while ago was the NTIA's DTV converter coupon program hitting its upper spending limit. So NTIA has announced that, until Congress slips it some more cash (or until it hits the Powerball), anyone sending in for a DTV coupon will be placed on a waiting list.… Continue Reading
