FCC Extends DTV Transition for DirecTV and Dish Network
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced this week that it will extend the DTV Transition date for satellite television providers, DirecTV and Dish Network, until 2013. This is a big win for the satellite television providers which have been working to get a wealth of high-definition channel options out to customers. Both companies are pleased with the FCC’s decision and the commission’s understanding of the challenges presented to satellite providers to comply with the DTV deadlines.
The digital TV (DTV) transition began back in 1996 when broadcast TV stations were authorization an additional broadcast channel by Congress. The U.S. Congress authorized this distribution so that these stations could begin a digital channel and still continue their analog broadcasts. Congress met again later on this same issue and mandated that there would be a date when these stations would stop broadcasting in analog. The date was set for February 17, 2009.
Federal regulators decision to give DirecTV and Dish Network extended time does not apply to cable providers or broadcasters. Broadcasters are required to make the switch to digital programming in February 2009. Cable companies have until February 17, 2012, to continue to deliver channels in analog. The FCC will revisit this date in 2011. At that time they may extend this date.
The DTV transition will provide a few benefits to consumers:
· Public safety groups will have more of the broadcast spectrum to use for communications.
· Broadcasters can off high-definition programming to consumers.
· These same broadcasters can use a process called multicasting to provide more than one standard-definition channel at the same time.
· Wireless broadband companies will be able to purchase through auction additional parts of the broadcast spectrum. This could provide consumers with new wireless services.
Consumers that have already purchased digital cable or satellite television services will not need to make any changes to their systems or programming to prepare for the DTV Transition. Direct TV and Dish Network subscribers are already experiencing the benefits of digital television with the tremendous programming options and picture quality these services provide.
DirecTV and Dish Network have been in a race to provide more high-definition channels to their customers by attempting to launch new satellites into space. Only one of these companies was successfully in their recent launch. DirecTV’s satellite, DIRECTV-11, made the successful launch and will increase the satellite provider’s programming capability from 90 HD channels to 150 channels. Dish Network currently carries fewer high-def channels than DirecTV. Their recent lack of success in launching their satellite puts them even further behind Direct TV.
All eyes right now are on DirecTV after the recent success of DIRECTV-11. Consumers new to high-definition television are craving the superior quality programming and forsaking standard-definition. Not only are consumers pleased with the possibility of new programming that DirecTV will be offering but they are overwhelming the impressive equipment that is being used by the company. Consumers were awed by the five-LNB satellite dish and the PLUS HD DVR allowing subscribers to record up to 50 hours of pure HD programming or 200 hours of standard-def. Dish Network has a tough road to follow with the continued technology advances of DirecTV.
As the countdown draws near for broadcasters to make the switch from analog to digital consumers may have numerous concerns and questions. All of these can be answered by visiting the Digital TV Transition webpage at http://www.dtv.gov/ . This is a great way to learn about the change and how it will affect you in the future.
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