The DXer's Lament

[cd637299]

Hi Everybody.....

Well, I was reading on another site of the strong possibility of the DTV conversion date being (again) delayed from Feb. 17, despite almost every 8th to 10th ad-spot on TV telling everybody and their mothers that they need to either upgrade with a CECB, get cable/satellite, or buy a DTV. This, coming from someone who doesn't even wathc a lot of TV.

I guess I am being selfish, as a DXer here in Florida, where foreign analog TV signals will still be available for years to come...but most of you here at WTFDA know how I was SO looking forward to channels 2-6 moving off, so I can see new froeign E-skip from here....and also seeing Cuba on other channels than I'm used to, via Tropo. But now it looks like the dream was only that---a dream.

Those of you in the north, I suppose, will enjoy another summer of analog E-skip, so if the date is moved up-----congratulations.

Bu seriously....who has NOT heard of the conversion and the government coupons available? (BTW, I heard that the gubmint is out of money on the coupons....so, um....why not another "bailout" for the customers? Everyone else is getting one....)

And, what about the anticipated moves of some analog LPTVs to the vacated analog channels? (Don't laugh....I know of one in Miami that wants ch 6, likely so they can use 87.7 on FM.)

And what about the existing TV stations using all that juice for using analog AND digital?

Someone here....PLEASE tell me that this talk of a delay is just one bad nightmare....

I enjoyed my DXing at Everglades City, seeing other skip channels---but really, I wanted to do this outta the comfort of my home! And, the VCR can run (complete with amplifier) while I am at work. ****Sighhhhh****

cd

[Mike-CT]

I'm angry!

Doesn't it all remind you of Lucy and Charlie Brown? She holds the football until the last minute and then pulls it away and Charlie hits the ground with a thud. And he never learns.

So Congress MANDATES we switch to DTV and sets the date at February 17th and then, at the last minute, tries to call it off. Politicians are idiots. We need to clean house in Washington. Wait! We just did!!! We got new idiots!

Meet the New Boss...Same As the Old Boss -The Who (We Won't Get Fooled Again).

[Danny]

No DXer will miss analog TV DXing more than I will, but it is time to move on to DTV. It appears that DTV DXing will be more complicated than ATV DXing, while the fruits of DTV DXing might be smaller than ATV DXing when it comes to distance, etc. The sooner we switch to DTV, the sooner we will figure out how to improve our DTV DXing skills.

The TV industry is prepared, most TV viewers are prepared, and DXers are prepared. IMHO, this is another situation where the government is making policies to protect people who do not want to take any responsibility for their own lives. Everybody has read, seen, and heard all of the talk about DTV on TV, in newspapers, and everywhere.

[cd637299]

Thanx guys. The Lucy/Charlie Brown analogy fits this to a T.

And as far as people not taking responsibility for their own lives....trust me here----like others on another board are saying-----they could delay it until December....and you'll STILL have people who claim not to have known, or still not ready.

This Feb 2009 was a THREE YEAR delay from the original intent of DTV startup.

One thing I gotta remember---we DXers represent 0.000002% of the population. We mean squat.

I just hope that WPBT 2, WFOR 4, WPTV 5 & WTVJ 6 will "pull a WTVX 34" and just go digital no matter what. It's not like they are mandated to stay analog----oopsy they are "big 3" + PBS affiliations----scratch that thought.

Time for reservations at Everglades City again.

cd

[mrhoover]

This is all a bit "last minute" isn't it?

Ah...politicians,same the world over!!!

When are we going to know what is happening,the day before changeover
due?

Hugh

[cd637299]

Hugh,

I'd guess Jan. 20 or 21.....that is when we get the new leader....

Somehow I do not remember this issue being brought up at any Presidential debates....*sigh*

cd

[mrhoover]

OK,thanks Chris.
Let's see what happens......

In the UK they're doing digital changeover region by region,
it started last quarter 2008 and finishes 2012.
Think if you're over 75 you get a free set top box and some installation
assistance.

Hugh