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.

By Jeremy Ambers

I recently had an opportunity to visit my alma mater, Oswego State University, to attend the 2008 edition of the Lewis B. O’Donnell Media Summit, titled Media Revolution.  Cold, wind and snow aside, the trip was well worth the hassle.  

The Summit featured a Panel Discussion followed by a Q&A session where members of the audience were able to pose questions to professionals from all corners of the Mass Media industry.  The panel was moderated by  Jack Myers, who owns and operates the entertainment publishing company Myers Publishing.  The rest of the panel included J. Scott Dinsdale, executive vice president of digital operations and new technology for SONY/BMG Music Entertainment; Erica Farber, CEO of Radio & Records magazine; 1981 SUNY Oswego graduate Steve Leblang, senior vice president of strategic planning and research for FX Networks; and Patrick Stiegman, vice president and executive editor/producer for ESPN.com. 

Throughout the discussion, Jack Meyers led the panelists through a number of topics ranging from new media and the internet, to music piracy.  It was interesting to see where these media veterans feel the industry is headed considering the past decade has seen the most change in decades.  It was also fascinating to hear them discuss issues, like music piracy, that are most prevalent on college campuses, in front of students who more than likely contribute to illegal downloading.

To listen to the entire Panel Discussion, click here.

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