By Jeremy Ambers

Yesterday, the United States Congress approved an extension of the Digital Transition deadline.  By law, all full-power television stations in the United States must begin broadcasting exclusively in digital format on or before June 12, 2009.  The date was changed from February 17th, 2009, after it was discovered that nearly 7 million people were not ready for the transition.   Even though the transition has been promoted for a number of years, and the federal government has been offering a $50 rebate to anyone who needs to purchase a digital converter for their television (ie. anyone who still uses rabbit ears to get their television signal), it is alarming to see how many people still have yet to make the switch.

If you are one of those individuals who have yet to make the switch, here are a couple of useful links:

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Converter Box Coupon Program

By Jeremy Ambers

It was just announced this week, at the Annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas… television networks will soon begin broadcasting live to cell phones.

According to the Open Mobile Video Coalition, Mobile Digital Television will be broadcasting on cell phones in New York City sometime in 2009.  The OMVC, which includes all four major networks, PBS and the CW, have been working with LG and Samsung to develop the technology necessary to provide the service.

Mobile TV service would enable customers to watch live television broadcasts (both national and local) from wherever they can get a signal.  However, since most programming is already provided via download, the only programming that would really benefit will be news and sports.  

I personally see a number of pros and cons regarding this new concept.  I mean, it seems like a practical addition for someone who sits on a bus for two or three hours a day (although I would prefer a book or music).  They can get their Today Show fix while sitting in traffic.  But what about those people who send text messages while driving?  Are they going to start implementing tv time into their routine?  And I would hate to be the guy at a nice dinner trying to watch the big game under the table.

Ultimately, I am all for new technology that gives the user further control over what content they choose to view.  However, I hope that anyone who utilizes Mobile Digital Television will do so in a safe and sensible fashion.