BURZICHELLI/CHIVUKULA/FISHER BILL TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS ON SWITCH FROM ANALOG TO DIGITAL TV BROADCASTS PASSES

(TRENTON) - The Assembly today passed legislation Assembly members John Burzichelli, Upendra Chivukula and Douglas H. Fisher sponsored to educate consumers on the upcoming television broadcast switch from analog to digital.

As per a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling, all full-powered television stations must switch to digital-only broadcasts by February 17, 2009.

The measure (AR-108) calls on government, industry, public and private schools to work together to develop a plan to educate consumers on what they need to know to get ready for the switch.

"Consumers need to understand how this changeover will affect them and what they need to do to gear up for the digital transition," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester). "When the FCC pulls the plug on analog, it is crucial that viewers continue to have access to television by preparing for the switch."

Burzichelli serves on the FCC's 15-member federal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee on telecommunication issues affecting state, local and tribal governments, charged with educating consumers on the switch."

"Consumers need to be aware of this sea-change in broadcasting well in advance to ensure they have ample time to prepare for the switch," said Chivukula (D-Somerset). "With federal subsidies available to individual consumers, preparations for the digital television switch can be made quickly and inexpensively."

The FCC has made available to consumers coupons worth $40 towards the purchase of equipment that will allow analog-only television sets to receive digital broadcasting. Each household is eligible to receive two coupons.

"This cutting edge transition will deliver many benefits to consumers, including higher picture quality and sound and increased viewing options," said Fisher (D-Cumberland). "Consumers in broadcast-only households could lose reception on older analog television sets unless they take steps to upgrade. Consumers need to be prepared for the transition."

In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each full-power broadcast television station to enable them to launch a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing an analog broadcast channel.

Each broadcaster is federally mandated to turn off its analog channel and broadcast exclusively in the digital format beginning on February 17, 2009. The changeover will free up the analog spectrum for public safety and related communications.

The Assembly passed the measure 77 to 0 with 0 abstentions. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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