The broadcast transition to digital television that finally takes place today in the US has some interesting incidental implications. If you’ve gotten through the transition itself okay, there are a few things to watch for in the aftermath. First is the dumping of old secondary TVs that have taken up space in kitchens and basements across America – those sets plus the old “mobile” TVs that if you held in just the right direction would tune in partially to one network… if you were lucky. Lots of folks are going to throw those sets away, but there are actually easy ways to recycle. A simple one: go to Earth911.com, plug in “TVs” and your zip code. It’s easy, and I found recycling locations within three miles of my home.
Second is an increase in pay TV subscribers. My analog neighbors were on the verge of switching to pay TV service with all of the hassles involved in getting converter boxes hooked up throughout the house. They didn’t, but others have and will. I’ll be curious to see the Q3 subscriber addition numbers from cable, telco, and satellite providers in the fall.
Third is a ramp-up in discussions of LTE network development. 4G wireless gets a boost today with the freeing up of spectrum from analog transmissions. Goodbye analog, hello faster mobile broadband.
Meanwhile, if you’re having difficulties with the transition today, there is still help available. Spread the word.
