On 2/14/2009 3:02 PM, Darren New wrote:
> Chambers wrote:
>> On another note, Congress decided to delay the transition because some
>> people aren't ready*.
>
> Actually, my understanding is they delayed the bill because they didn't
> have enough money for all the $40 coupons they expect people to ask for.
> :-)

All that does is delay the release of additional coupons.  They budgeted 
a certain amount of money for them, and now enough coupons have been 
sold that they can't authorize any more.

Although, as older coupons expire, they can issue new ones without any 
additional funds.  Depending on demand, Congress may or may not 
authorize funding additional coupons.

>> *All the bill really does is *allow* stations to delay. They can still
>> switch if they like, and many of them will, to save electricity.
>
> And all the planning is already done and such, too. It's not like you
> can call up the manufacturer 2 weeks in advance and un-order the
> half-million-dollar machine.

Sure, but most of the TV stations have already been broadcasting in 
digital alongside analog for some time.  What's really (supposed to be) 
happening on the 19th is that the analog signal will be switched off, 
*not* that the digital signal will be switched on.

-- 
...Chambers
www.pacificwebguy.com

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