Consumers in 39 Million U.S. Households Cannot Receive Complete Network Digital Service

[From a press release offered by an organization supported by satellite operators, et al. Note that the maps mentioned are for ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC only. Observers on the opendtv listserv noted that, for Arizona and Illinois at least, the coverage appears to assume operation at full authorization, whereas many stations are operating at something less than full power. My observation about Washington State is the same. These observers are also noting other inaccuracies, some of which overstate white areas. As with most interest group "information" on the DTV transition, take these maps with a grain of salt." --Dennis]
The Digital Transition Coalition ... said that, contrary to the claims of the National Association of Broadcasters ..., the DTV transition has a long distance to traverse before it becomes a reality. Tens of millions of Americans are still unable to receive one or more of their local network stations in digital mode. The coalition released state-by-state maps, using Federal Communications Commission data, which clearly illustrate the current (as of July 2004) coverage of digital signals across the nation. The maps were filed with the FCC as part of the coalition's response to a filing by the NAB. ...¶... The DTC analysis found that, nationwide: -- 36.1% of households (over 39 million) cannot receive digital service from at least one of the network broadcasters. More specifically:
- 19.0% of households (over 20 million) are receiving digital service from only 3 digital network broadcasters
- 5.8% of households (over 6 million) are receiving digital service from only 2 digital network broadcasters
- 6.2% of households (over 6 million) are receiving digital service from only 1 digital network broadcaster
- 5.1% of households (over 5 million) cannot receive digital service from any network broadcaster at all
...¶... In an effort to inform the public about the status of digital television, the DTC will make all these maps available on its website -- www.iwantmyhdtv.com. ... DTC link

Comments

[Dallas Axelrod]

According to the www.iwantmyhdtv.com website, the company that made these digital transition maps used the information provided by the broadcasters to the FCC and the agency's methodology to determine whether a consumer can recieve an adequate over the air signal. Consumers and satellite TV providers have complained for many years that the methodology predicts households to be served that cannot receive an adequate over the air signal, but we're stuck with this government standard. Thus the digital white area shown in the maps is also understated, and it's guaranteed that more than 39 million households nationwide cannot receive one or more digital network signals over the air.