Multi-Housing News - September 2008 - (Page 56)

nmhc notebook Owners Must Ace the Digital TV Transition By Betsy Feigin Befus, NMHC Members of Congress are concerned that, despite the initiatives by the fedThe clock is ticking. On February 17, all full-power eral government and the broadcasting industry to educate consumers about the television stations will shut off their analog signals. transition, too many Americans will wake up next February unable to watch Our nationwide transition to digital television television. On June 10, the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and (DTV) will be official. Low-powered stations are expected to convert in the future. the Internet held a hearing to discuss the problem. Among other issues But despite public service announcements, apartaddressed at the hearing is the Wilmington, N.C. pilot program, due to start ment owners can’t assume their residents are adethis month, in which five local stations will switch to digital and turn off their quately prepared for it. Apartment firms should analog broadcasts. But Representative John Dingell (D-MI), chairman of the audit their portfolios now to assess potential effects House Energy and Commerce Committee, is unconvinced that the Federal on their properties and residents to ensure a smooth transition. Communications Commission, the federal agency charged with implementing Although apartment owners do not have a mandatory role in the conversion the conversion, is well positioned to educate the entire country in the way that process, they should take steps well in advance of February 17. Owners that the Wilmington community will be informed. provide residents with access to an “over-the-air” rooftop antenna should Your important role determine whether the antenna must be replaced entirely or whether modifiEven residents that subscribe to a cable or satellite service should be encourcations to existing equipment will allow residents continued access. aged to contact their service provider to ensure that they have the proper Alternatively, an owner may opt to discontinue the use of a rooftop antenna. Properties that lease rooftop space should consider the potential impact on equipment to continue to watch television without complications. Congress’ decision to mandate the transition to digital that revenue stream since some antenna owners will opt to remove them rather than upgrade them. television was made primarily to make available airwaves An apartment owner offering bulk video service to that will be used by first responders and other public safety An apartment resident whose residents should be aware that a community’s channel agencies. Cable companies need more bandwidth to offer television viewing is dependlineup could shrink as video companies eliminate their more services to consumers, including high-definition proent upon rabbit ears must analog channels. This issue is particularly important to gramming. Digital technology also provides higher-quality choose among three options some niche markets where bulk service is prevalent, images and sound. But the technology isn’t perfectly reliafter February: such as the expanding student housing market. able and some affected broadcasters are not fully equipped Although cable companies are not obligated to remove for February 17. Thirteen percent of television stations s purchase a digital their analog channels on February 17, and most report that they have yet to install or adjust their digital television antennas, which can be a complicated process that could providers will continue to offer some analog channels in take months. It has also been reported that there have been addition to digital ones beyond that date, they are s order cable or satellite financial challenges relating to infrastructure costs, permitexpected to reduce analog offerings over time. The transervice ting delays and concerns about coordinating the transition. sition to all-digital service will vary market to market, s purchase an analog-toFortunately, help is available. The National and according to each particular cable company’s busiTelecommunications and Information Administration is ness strategy. digital converter box. administering a $1.5 billion program to provide coupons Student housing properties, for example, will likely need to contract for more expensive upgraded bulk worth $40 off the cost of an analog-to-digital converter offerings to maintain current channel lineups that resibox. Until March 31, 2009, a household will be eligible dents expect. Apartment firms should consider the impact of the transition to to receive up to two coupons. Although apartment owners are not permitted digital on certain community amenities, including televisions in common areas to request coupons on a resident’s behalf, assisting residents with information and those that are attached to exercise equipment. Expensive television-incorabout the program is advisable. Coupon ordering information and more genporated fitness machines may be problematic after the transition, because cureral information about the transition are available at www.dtv.gov. MHN rently available analog-to-digital conversion products do not work on them. A long way to go According to a recently released report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), nearly half of television viewers that currently rely on “overthe-air” signals—the group of consumers most affected by next year’s change— are unprepared for the transition. The GAO estimates that about 70 million people use televisions with overthe-air antennas. That is to say that there are quite a few television viewers— including apartment residents—who do not have subscription television service and still have old-fashioned “rabbit ear” antennas sitting atop their sets and rooftop antennas as discussed above. Betsy Feigin Befus is vice president, employment policy and special counsel for the National Multi Housing Council in Washington, D.C. MHN ONLINE Visit “In Focus” at www.multi-housingnews.com for perspectives on other topics. 56 September 2008 | Multi-Housing News | Producer of Multi-Housing World http://www.dtv.gov http://www.multi-housingnews.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Multi-Housing News - September 2008

Multi-Housing News - September 2008
Contents
Calendar of Events
From the Editor
Executive Insight
Property Management: Growth Plans
Development & Design: Low-Rise Trends
Market Pulse
Special Report: Green Design Makes 'Cents'
Market Report: Boston
Top Architects List
Finance: HUD
Products: Cabinetry
Tech Report: Internet Listing Services
NMHC Notebook
Property Showcase: Fitness Center

Multi-Housing News - September 2008