NCTA, CEA expect some loose ends in digital switchover
by Steven Kim 
posted Mar 3rd 2008 at 2:12AM
In case you missed it in the last couple of EHD podcasts, we've talked about how the logistics of the digital switchover will be handled. With such a ginormous footprint, one thing's for sure: it's not going to come off without a hitch. At a recent luncheon meeting, presidents of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) both expressed as much. NCTA president Kyle McSlarrow seemed more focused on putting more work into the pre-switch side, while the CEA's Gary Shapiro called for cooler heads to prevail after the first hiccups. Seriously, no matter how much information is blasted out, there are going to be some people that are unable (or unwilling) to put together the pieces necessary to keep TV flowing into their homes. It seems like the ads are hitting the targets, so maybe it's best to just start readying the "switchover shock troops" for the days following "day zero." In the meanwhile, EHD readers, try and do your part by helping out confused or unaware friends, family and coworkers!
Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Set-top boxes, Tuners, OTA
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ccweems @ Mar 3rd 2008 7:02AM
Is it just me but do the rest of you find this subject reeeeeeeeally boring? Why would HD enthusiasts care about this subject on this blog? Anyone who reads this blog and gets OTA TV (including their grannies and parents) has a plan for transition in place. Why doesn't EngadgetHD leave this subject to local papers, TV stations and People magazine who have been beating the shit anyway?
And look at EngadgetHD now; news about cities being thrown an HD bone by the requisite cable companies, the hot topic is news on recordable media. Makes you wanna puke.
I think that until the last HD-DVD player and movie are sold there should be at least 1 story per page view where HD-DVD and Bluray enthusiasts can strip to the waist, bare their fists and fight like men. Let's face it watching the Black Knight continuing to fight despite the loss of limbs is a compelling story ("it's just a scratch").
There has gotta be some no-name studio that has renounced HD-DVD and pledged their fortunes to Bluray and I welcome to hear about it.
ftaok @ Mar 3rd 2008 8:39AM
Personally, I think the opposite. I'm not advocating Engadget keep pumping these stories all the time, but a timely piece here or there isn't too bad.
Here's why. Everyone who reads Engadget is probably ready for the 2/09 transition. However, Engadget readers will probably serve as "tech advisors" for many of their friends/family that aren't tech saavy.
If I hadn't told my in-laws about the $40 coupons, they wouldn't have known.
Eventually, the tech-noobs will see these PSAs and messages on TV and they'll call me. It's nice to know what's going on out there for the laymen.
ft
Big Sam @ Mar 3rd 2008 10:49AM
I agree with ftaok. The more EH posts about it, the greater chance the knowledge will get passed along to those who need it.