【時報訊】自2009年2月17日午夜以後，美國所有的電視臺將停止播放模擬信號，轉換成以100%數碼式(Digital)播放，數碼式播放效率高，使用很少的電波，能確保電視影像清晰及更多的節目選擇，一旦轉換完成，一些電視頻道將移交給消防隊和警察局作為緊急通訊使用。如果您家中之電視係使用天線接收電視視訊，2009年2月17日以後將收不到任何電視節目。密蘇里州美國參議員Claire McCaskill特別呼籲社區民眾注意這項轉變，參議院日前通過立法，以9億美元經費教育民眾因應之道。
參議員McCaskill聖路易辦公室早在今年(2008年)3月30日(周日)即在大學城圖書館內，州議員Maria Chappelle-Naddal年度問政報告會中，為社區民眾作了上述數碼傳訊電視改變之說明(請見時報第919期新聞報導) 時報本期特別製作數碼傳訊常見問題及解答專題報導，敬請讀者參考。
Senate passes Bill to educate public on the transition to digital televsionMcCaskill co-sponsors legislation to increase funding for consumer education efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the end of the transition to digital television (DTV) less than eight months away, the United States Senate unanimously passed legislation to invest as much as $9 million on consumer education. The bill, co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, would ensure that more Missourians are prepared for the switch to DTV by providing funding for consumer education and assistance, as well as technological upgrades for smaller television stations.
McCaskill believes that making Missourians more aware of the DTV transition will prevent confusion, last-minute demand, and thousands of people left without the ability to receive emergency notices via broadcast television as the final day fast approaches. In fact, reports indicate that as many as 478,000 Missouri households do not have cable or satellite and rely on over-the-air television. Those analog televisions not connected to cable, satellite, or a converter box will be unable to receive a digital broadcast signal and will go dark February 17th, 2009.
"Every Missourian should have access to resources to deal with the switch to digital television. This is about more than just Saturday morning cartoons," said McCaskill. "Many families rely on their televisions for the latest news and weather updates. With all the natural disasters Missouri has been through this season, we've seen how important it is to have advanced notice about severe weather. With the help of this bill, fewer Missourians will be left in the dark next February."
The DTV Transition Assistance Act, which McCaskill co-sponsored, would allow the National Telecommunication and Information Agency (NTIA) to partner with, and provide grants to, non-profit organizations or public interests groups, for consumer education and technical assistance efforts that target vulnerable populations such as senior citizens, individuals residing in rural areas, and minorities. The legislation has been sent to the House of Representatives where McCaskill hopes it will be quickly approved and sent to the President for his signature. In 2006, Congress dedicated $5 million for consumer education about the DTV transition converter box coupon program.
The legislation would also reimburse low-power television stations for equipment to upgrade from analog to digital in eligible rural communities. Missouri has 64 licensed low-power, or class A, television stations. In addition to these efforts, the federal government is sponsoring a coupon program that will provide two $40 coupons per household to help Americans purchase converter boxes for their analog television sets.
McCaskill and her staff have worked hard to get the word out to Missourians about the digital television transition. Over the past year, members of Senator McCaskill's staff have traveled throughout the state holding "Kitchen Table Talks" to inform local residents about the government-provided resources available to them as they transition to the new system.
Missourians can find out how the transition will affect them and order coupons by visiting www.DTV2009.gov or calling 1-888-DTV-2009. |
