The IEEE is joining the effort to ensure that people are aware of the switch to all-digital TV broadcasting next Feb. 17 and have the information and resources they need to accommodate the change. The organization also wants to ensure that consumers understand the benefits available to them by taking full advantage of the digital signal.
“There are an alarming number of people out there who do not understand this change and will not be prepared to deal with it,” said Gary Sgrignoli, IEEE member and DTV transmission consultant for Meintel, Sgrignoli, & Wallace. “This is especially unfortunate for those people in rural areas who depend on analog television for news, and are unaware of what simple steps they can take to prepare for the change.”
As part of the IEEE initiative, the organization has developed an FAQ document, which it is circulating to all major media outlets and posting on several Web sites. The document answers many pressing questions, such as who will be affected by the switch, what factors to consider when purchasing equipment, and understanding the benefits of using a digital signal. The FAQ document can be found here.