In June 2009, the U.S. formalized the oft-deferred transition from analog broadcasts to digital broadcasts, effective June 12, 2009. Originally, as reported here in the February 2009 edition of The USIM Gazette, congress and President Obama had delayed the original February 17, 2009 deadline for the mandatory transition after funding was exhausted for the $40 each TV converter box coupons. A maximum of two coupons could be requested by each household. The coupons enabled consumers to purchase a TV converter box at a significant discount. Certified converter boxes are available from both national and local retailers - demand for the coupons had surpassed government projections, resulting in the coupon shortfall.

Approximately 900 full-power TV stations had already converted before the June 12 deadline, and about 800 more converted on June 12. However, some very small and rural relay stations (translators) will continue to transmit analog signals and around 100 stations across the country will maintain residual analog services which send messages to consumers informing them to obtain equipment capable of receiving digital transmissions.

By Darrell Woody

Gazette Staff Writer