Apsattv
17-02-2008, 03:47 AM
From http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003710388
A study that concluded that millions of consumers relying on over-the-air TV reception may not be able to receive digital TV signals met with some debate Wednesday. The Association for Maximum Service Television countered that the Centris study (To view Anthony Crupi's original report, click here) which found "serious gaps" in digital TV signal coverage, was "misleading."
The Centris study, which analyzed models of TV coverage in select markets based on antenna sensitivity and intererence, concluded that DTV signals fall off sharply after 35 miles, not the 75 miles claimed by the Federal Communications Commission. If consumers don't sign up for a subscription TV provider or get new antennas, they won't be able to get signals after the Feb. 17, 2009 digital deadline.
In a statement, David Donovan, president of MSTV said the study was flawed because it was not based on actual signal strengths, but on antenna capability as recommended by the Consumer Electronics Association for homes within 20-30 miles of a TV tower.
"Consumers needing outdoor antennas for digital reception will need to use the same type of outdoor antenna they now use for analog reception," Donovan said. "It is simply wrong to suggest that DTV service will not be available in areas outside of 30 miles from a DTV broadcast tower," Donovan said.
In a hearing before the House Commerce Committee, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin also held to MSTV's argument. "The flaw [in the Centris study] was comparing analog today with digital tomorrow. It assumed consumers did not have antennas," Martin said.
A study that concluded that millions of consumers relying on over-the-air TV reception may not be able to receive digital TV signals met with some debate Wednesday. The Association for Maximum Service Television countered that the Centris study (To view Anthony Crupi's original report, click here) which found "serious gaps" in digital TV signal coverage, was "misleading."
The Centris study, which analyzed models of TV coverage in select markets based on antenna sensitivity and intererence, concluded that DTV signals fall off sharply after 35 miles, not the 75 miles claimed by the Federal Communications Commission. If consumers don't sign up for a subscription TV provider or get new antennas, they won't be able to get signals after the Feb. 17, 2009 digital deadline.
In a statement, David Donovan, president of MSTV said the study was flawed because it was not based on actual signal strengths, but on antenna capability as recommended by the Consumer Electronics Association for homes within 20-30 miles of a TV tower.
"Consumers needing outdoor antennas for digital reception will need to use the same type of outdoor antenna they now use for analog reception," Donovan said. "It is simply wrong to suggest that DTV service will not be available in areas outside of 30 miles from a DTV broadcast tower," Donovan said.
In a hearing before the House Commerce Committee, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin also held to MSTV's argument. "The flaw [in the Centris study] was comparing analog today with digital tomorrow. It assumed consumers did not have antennas," Martin said.