Startling FCC DTV Hurricane Plan for Handheld TV Owners
One of the nagging problems with the switch to digital television is the lack of options available for handheld and mobile TV owners. There just isn’t any workable alternatives available for users of these devices; so what does this mean after the digital transition date of February 17th, 2009? Most analog handheld and mobile TVs will be rendered useless.
What about the consumers that depend on these devices for news or information during an emergency or power outage?
And once the entire country goes digital, none of the stations will be allowed to switch over to analog, even if there’s an emergency.
The above quote is from a National Public Radio station, which echoed comments from FCC Commisioners at a recent town hall meeting.
I’m going to open the comments section below this post for users of handheld and mobile tvs to voice their opinion. Your comments will be monitored (usually takes a day) before they’re posted, but I’d like to get some public opinion on this story.
Update: 11-19-08
There is now a “portable” converter box on the market which may allow for consumers to convert their analog televisions for digital television. Check it out here: Winegard RCDT09A - First Battery Powered Converter Box Available Soon Read Reviews about it here: Winegard RC-DT09 Converter Box
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8 Responses to “Startling FCC DTV Hurricane Plan for Handheld TV Owners”
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I am extremely unhappy that we will no longer be able to use our handheld tv. Since hurricane Charlie came aboard Florida I have had a hand held tv. To be able to see and hear where the hurricane is, to know where to buy gas or which grocery store is open, or where the roads are flooded, or just how safe it might be to venture out after the storm, is much more comforting than sitting there wondering what is going on!!!!!!!! Now Tropical storm Fay is here and of course we were without electricity (which is the case every time a storm hits)so I used my handheld tv to get all the info I needed. I have talked several people into buying a handheld tv because it is wonderful to have during a storm. So they did and now I look like the fool because we won’t be able to use them. $200.00 down the drain and I have two!!!!!!!! BAD IDEA!! I wish we did not HAVE to convert.!!
I agree!!! I have one for my 72 hour emergency kit. I purchased it shortly after an earthquake cut of electricity and gas in the area for a few days!!! I think if the government offers discount coupons to get the box, they should also offer discounts for new hand helds (which hopefully will become available by or before the time that the switch is made!!!
[...] a hurricane. Here’s a link to an article I wrote about the FCC’s comments at the following link: http://www.tvconversionhelp.com/2008/08/20/startling-fcc-dtv-hurricane-plan-for-handheld-tv-owners/ [...]
I also agree. To make matters worse, in my experience, DTV coverage is quite poor once you are out of the metropolitan areas especially when you find yourself in hilly terrain. DTV coverage in no way approximates the existing analog service. All-in-all, this DTV transition is an ill-conceived and incomplete plan on the part of the FCC that needs to be reconsidered in light of the real-world experience with DTV coverage and device availability. The good news is that I will miss all of those political ads come time for the next Federal election cycle and we should all communicate that same message to our elected representatives.
What is so funny is the first area to cut to DTV only, Wilmington, NC got hit two days before the official switch to DTV , the analog tv stations are still broadcasting (reportedly with a message to tune to the digital side) and the ability to flip back to analog if the emergency arrives. This is no real world test. this is a toot your horn test. Only when natural disasters happen will people protest for at least one analog signal for news
[...] that may “go dark” after the switch to digital television. Most all of these mobile TVs (which also include TVs in motor homes, cars, van, and semi-trucks) will also require a converter [...]
I agree that after the switch to digital, many people will be unable to get information during an emergency situation. I bought a handheld when I joined Search and Rescue. With the advanced technology we have today,
there should be some kind of tiny converter for handhelds and small portables.
I agree in the need for a tiny convertor for small handheld televisions. I have one, that’s about 3×5, and it is perfect for loss of electricity situations and other emergencies. Why would the Federal government require this massive change that will also put emergency resources out of commission? The date needs to be pushed back until this can be figured out. In our age of technology, hopefully that would not take long.