Going Dark in Wilmington, North Carolina—By Carol Ingley

I go back to my breakfast spot in Wilmington today, primarily to speak with the waitress who had not done anything to her over-the-air analog TV. In addition to following up, I get to have some delicious cheese scrambled eggs again.

The nice waitress that I encountered yesterday is at the restaurant. True to her word, she did turn on her TV set after the noon deadline and, although the screen did not turn to snow, she is now receiving the same message that was on the analog set at the press conference yesterday.

Cable TV is not available in her area and already, she has called about satellite TV. Given that she doesn’t watch TV very much, that’s not the right answer for her.

Also, she thinks it is expensive. She has decided to get a converter box and asks if I know where to get them. I do, but wonder why that type of information wasn’t better conveyed. I tell her about the coupon, but she doesn’t want to wait for that. 

I also say that this is the first of many changes coming with TV. In fact, the shift from analog to digital TV is a critical step in the digital revolution. I am surprised, as others in the serving staff join the conversation, how much is understood about what is coming. 

Never underestimate the American public.

TV as we have known it is yesterday. It is likely that the TV will evolve like the PC and wireless phone—necessitating upgrades every few years or, in many cases, every year or two.

But most folks are not thinking in terms of a digital revolution. Many are not thinking yet in terms of a digital mindset.

Now, it will be gathering more information from this switch, and then on to February 17, 2009.

Posted by MCN Guest on September 9, 2008 | Comments (0)