Amador County - Fears that an estimated 20 million mostly poor and elderly households are not ready to join the rest of the nation in converting their older televisions to digital have raised local concern. If not properly informed or assisted, Amador County’s proportionately large senior population could be left in the dark on February 17, the date conversion will take place nationwide. Owners of older television sets receiving over-the-air signals are required to buy a converter box or subscribe to cable or satellite TV. The California Department of Aging says older residents may be less familiar with or have restricted access to technology; or have physical or transportation-related barriers. Waiting lists for assistance programs sponsored by the federal government will keep many who apply now from receiving converter boxes before the deadline. Many who received $40 federal coupons to defray the cost of a new box have let their coupons expire. A December report by the Nielsen Company lists the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto market as the ninth least-ready market in the nation out of 56 metered markets, with 9.65 percent of households "completely unready" for the conversion. Anticipating these problems, a Democrat-backed bill extending the transition date to June 12 is being prepared for consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce committee. However, Democrats cancelled a meeting Wednesday, citing opposition from Republicans. Committee chairman Henry Waxman of California said that “without a short one-time extension, millions of households will lose all television reception.” Waxman’s spokesperson said he is willing to work with Republicans, who argue the delay will cause more confusion. Local providers are offering a range of solutions. Those who choose cable or satellite TV service for the first time can keep their old TV’s and avoid buying a converter. Comcast representatives said there was a strong statewide response to its offer of one free year of basic cable when you sign up for one additional service. If you are still not ready for the transition, contact your local cable or satellite provider for more information. Story by Alex Lane
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Amador County - Fears that an estimated 20 million mostly poor and elderly households are not ready to join the rest of the nation in converting their older televisions to digital have raised local concern. If not properly informed or assisted, Amador County’s proportionately large senior population could be left in the dark on February 17, the date conversion will take place nationwide. Owners of older television sets receiving over-the-air signals are required to buy a converter box or subscribe to cable or satellite TV. The California Department of Aging says older residents may be less familiar with or have restricted access to technology; or have physical or transportation-related barriers. Waiting lists for assistance programs sponsored by the federal government will keep many who apply now from receiving converter boxes before the deadline. Many who received $40 federal coupons to defray the cost of a new box have let their coupons expire. A December report by the Nielsen Company lists the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto market as the ninth least-ready market in the nation out of 56 metered markets, with 9.65 percent of households "completely unready" for the conversion. Anticipating these problems, a Democrat-backed bill extending the transition date to June 12 is being prepared for consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce committee. However, Democrats cancelled a meeting Wednesday, citing opposition from Republicans. Committee chairman Henry Waxman of California said that “without a short one-time extension, millions of households will lose all television reception.” Waxman’s spokesperson said he is willing to work with Republicans, who argue the delay will cause more confusion. Local providers are offering a range of solutions. Those who choose cable or satellite TV service for the first time can keep their old TV’s and avoid buying a converter. Comcast representatives said there was a strong statewide response to its offer of one free year of basic cable when you sign up for one additional service. If you are still not ready for the transition, contact your local cable or satellite provider for more information. Story by Alex Lane
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