Where Were You When the TV Went off?
- By Carmen Watkins
- Published 06/9/2009
- Economics
- Unrated
Carmen Watkins
Carmen Watkins is president and CEO of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston.
View all articles by Carmen Watkins
June 12, 2009 is the date for all analog television sets to fade out as we formally usher in the age of digital television. According to the Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and Nielsen Media Research, it is estimated that more than 400,000 greater Houston households have not heeded the warning and made the switch. While that might not stir a feather in non-television watchers, those that depend on the television for their news, information and entertainment source are in dire danger of being without on the designated day.
The federal government mandated the switch to free up airways for more mobile internet access and because the signal quality is better in digital. If that does not move you into action, maybe this will, you don’t have to buy a new television to be ready for HD. You may choose to connect to cable, satellite, and alternate delivery systems or purchase a converter box.
Converter boxes are available at most electronic stores and start around $40.00 or you can request a converter box by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC by July 31. Coupons expire 90 days after issue. “It is imperative that we operate at an accelerated pace to educate those who are at the greatest risk of losing their television service—low- income households, large numbers of senior, minority and disabled viewers. These viewers rely on traditional television the most and can least afford to lose their television lifelines. We have a responsibility to make sure that these groups whether in our families, churches or communities are equipped and ready for this transition,” said Cynthia Perkins-Roberts, Nielsen African American Advisory Council (AAAC).
The fear shared by Nielson, has not been lost on the African-American community. The question for the last five years when the talk of conversion and communities of color was fresh, there was a fear that the government might be sanctioning the next digital divide. The fear may be warranted. While we celebrated the success of the Obama presidency in late January, Nielson released data that underscored that digital divide in large urban centers. In Houston, 15.8% of households were not ready for the the digital conversion, 14.3% in Dallas-Ft. Worth and 11.6% in Austin.
With on a few days remaining and before the television sets go dark, there is local assistance. From now until July 9, AmeriCorps will help area residents install boxes. Call 888-CALL-FCC to schedule an appointment.
Others offering assistance include PRIMEX Technology Inc. at 888-481-2772, R&D Training & Technical & Service at 866-202-4596 and in Spanish at Hernandez Consulting LLC at 800-310-8515.
The federal government mandated the switch to free up airways for more mobile internet access and because the signal quality is better in digital. If that does not move you into action, maybe this will, you don’t have to buy a new television to be ready for HD. You may choose to connect to cable, satellite, and alternate delivery systems or purchase a converter box.
Converter boxes are available at most electronic stores and start around $40.00 or you can request a converter box by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC by July 31. Coupons expire 90 days after issue. “It is imperative that we operate at an accelerated pace to educate those who are at the greatest risk of losing their television service—low- income households, large numbers of senior, minority and disabled viewers. These viewers rely on traditional television the most and can least afford to lose their television lifelines. We have a responsibility to make sure that these groups whether in our families, churches or communities are equipped and ready for this transition,” said Cynthia Perkins-Roberts, Nielsen African American Advisory Council (AAAC).
The fear shared by Nielson, has not been lost on the African-American community. The question for the last five years when the talk of conversion and communities of color was fresh, there was a fear that the government might be sanctioning the next digital divide. The fear may be warranted. While we celebrated the success of the Obama presidency in late January, Nielson released data that underscored that digital divide in large urban centers. In Houston, 15.8% of households were not ready for the the digital conversion, 14.3% in Dallas-Ft. Worth and 11.6% in Austin.
With on a few days remaining and before the television sets go dark, there is local assistance. From now until July 9, AmeriCorps will help area residents install boxes. Call 888-CALL-FCC to schedule an appointment.
Others offering assistance include PRIMEX Technology Inc. at 888-481-2772, R&D Training & Technical & Service at 866-202-4596 and in Spanish at Hernandez Consulting LLC at 800-310-8515.