Many Unaware That Their Old TV Sets Will Go Dark

Many owners of older TV sets who still receive free, over-the-air broadcasts are unaware that their sets will no longer function after Feb. 17, 2009 without a settop converter, lawmakers observed at a Washington D.C. hearing on Thursday.

Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, observed that the government was depending on broadcasters and television-set manufacturers to educate the public about the switchover from analog to digital broadcasting on that date but that their efforts have been insubstantial. "The time to act is now -- before the digital transition devolves into a digital disaster," Inouye said.

Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington echoed Inouye's comments, remarking, "I think there's high potential for a train wreck here." The government has set up a website, dtv.gov, and the toll-free number 888-388-2009 to provide information about how people with older TV sets -- and who are not connected to cable systems -- may receive free coupons that will cover most of the cost of converter boxes.

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