The Analog To Digital Conversion

According to the FCC, the February 17, 2009 deadline for the DTV transition only applies to full-power broadcast stations. Cable companies are not required to transition their systems to digital and can continue to deliver channels to their customers in analog; in fact, they are actually required by FCC rules to continue offering local broadcast stations to their customers in analog as long as they offer any analog service. This requirement will continue for at least three years after February 17, 2009, and the FCC will decide in 2011 whether the requirement should be continued beyond February 17, 2012. This means that customers who receive analog cable service (without a cable set-top box) will be able to continue to do so.

However, to keep pace with current technology and customer demand, and in an effort to deliver better quality and broader content choices, it is very likely cable companies will begin to transition to all-digital service. Under the FCC’s DTV transition plan, if a cable company makes the business decision to go all-digital (meaning it will stop offering any channels to its customers in analog), it must ensure its analog customers can continue to watch their local broadcast stations. However, this will likely require these customers still using analog TV sets to either upgrade or purchase a set-top box; in many cases this will be at the discretion (and price) of the individual cable provider.

For most people who are reluctant to give up their current analog TV or service, the best (and cheapest) long-term bet is to take advantage of the NTIA set-top converter coupon program.

NEW SERVICE LETS MDU RESIDENTS CHOOSE DIGITAL AND BUNDLED SERVICE PROVIDERS

Broadband National’s new “MDU Module” enables property managers to provide unbiased information and access to Internet, television, digital phone, rental insurance, home security and more

Broadband National, Inc., the leading ecommerce platform promoting digital services and products, today announced a new application focused on the 20 perecent of U.S. households that move annually. The new “MDU module” is a turn-key application that allows owners and management companies of multi-dwelling units (MDUs) to offer residents a seamless process to order services that are typically required when moving into a new apartment or condo. The company’s MDU Module will provide the millions of Americans living in apartments and other multiple dwelling units with access to of the largest selection of services backed by an unbiased, unified comparison and ordering experience.

The announcement comes on the heels of a recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling which makes exclusive deals between network operators and the owners of MDUs illegal. The Broadband National offering addresses this new freedom of choice by enabling owners and managers of MDUs to provide their residents with unbiased information on and access to a number of digital services, including Internet, cable and satellite television, and digital telephone. Owners and managers will also have the flexibility to customize the module to offer additional services, such as renters’ insurance, security systems, appliance and furniture leases, grocery delivery services and more.

“The MDU Module was designed to help property owners and managers not only remain in compliance with the FCC ruling, but also to streamline their own operations while enabling their residents to conveniently choose the best available services in their area,” said Vinny Olmstead, president and CEO of Broadband National. “The offering truly enables MDU managers to become a trusted, one-stop resource for their residents by leveraging Broadband National’s insight and access to thousands of service options.”

Several top real estate management companies have already signed-on to deliver this new level of convenience to residents at properties across the country. The Broadband National MDU Module is scheduled for general availability in Q1 2008. More information is available by calling Mark Weibel at (772) 316-1007.