UPDATE: kalb says that they are going ahead with switching to dtv on 17 february 2009. [vid of announcement]
[S.352] specifically allows US broadcasters to throw their own switches at any time they see fit in the interim.S.352 passed the senate, by unanimous consent, on 29 january 2009.
"Nothing in this Act is intended to prevent a licensee of a television broadcast station from terminating the broadcasting of such station's analog television signal (and continuing to broadcast exclusively in the digital television service) prior to the date established by law," reads the text of S. 328
The National Association of Broadcasters, which had earlier expressed its preference that the February 17 date be kept, now supports the Delay Act because it enables broadcasters to make the switch at any time between mid-February and mid-June. ~ read more
NAB Pledges to Help Americans Prepare for New Digital TV Transition Date
February 4, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC — The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today welcomed the House passage of legislation that will extend the deadline for the historic transition to digital television (DTV) to June 12. The U.S. Senate unanimously approved last week its version of the "DTV Delay" bill, which is expected to be signed into law by the president in the coming days.
"The legislation passed by Congress provides more time for Americans to prepare for the DTV transition and will allow more time for the government to fix the coupon program.
We appreciate members of Congress for their leadership and swift action in ensuring viewers get continued access to free, over-the-air television," said NAB President and CEO David Rehr. "America's broadcasters, which have spent the past decade preparing for this historic transition, are ready to make a successful switch."
Last week, NAB issued a statement in support of an extension, which continues to provide stations the flexibility to transition ahead of the June 12 deadline, consistent with Federal Communications Commission rules. ~ read more
