Transition travails mark end of analog era

The countdown clock is ticking on the digital television transition and it is becoming increasingly clear that the United States will not be ready. Analog television broadcasts are scheduled to stop on Feb 17 and, after that, only digital signals are to be available. Then millions of Americans who rely on analog TV sets and antennas must start using converter boxes that will allow them to receive digital signals, or see only a black screen.

In 2005, Congress devised a program meant to ensure that this transition would be smooth. But with 40 days to go, it is now clear that we are heading for a train wreck - unless Congress delays the transition for a few months to allow more time to prepare.

People who subscribe to cable or satellite services or have a newer television with a digital tuner are not at risk of losing their programming. But as many as 19 million American households still rely solely on over-the-air analog television, and perhaps another 19 million use over-the-air in combination with cable or satellite. This population is disproportionately made up of poorer households, the elderly and members of minority groups.