Many Philadelphians still not ready for Digital TV transition

Once again, the mandatory transition to digital television is just weeks away. The switchover was delayed by Congress from February 17 to June 12.

The four extra months appears to have prompted few to prepare for the switch, leaving many households in Philadelphia whose progress has been static.

Once again, the mandatory transition to digital television is just weeks away.  The switchover was delayed by Congress from February 17 to June 12.

The four extra months appears to have prompted few to prepare for the switch, leaving many households in Philadelphia whose progress has been static.

According to Nielsen statistics, 2.1 percent of Philadelphians weren’t ready for the digital transition in February. Almost four months later, that number has inched down to 1.95 percent, leaving about 58-thousand households that aren’t ready for the switch.

Observers say the numbers may have improved as much as they can.  Dennis Silage is professor of electrical and computer engineering at Temple University, and an expert on technological transitions.  He says historically, there have always been stragglers.

Silage: I think this idea of the gradualness is trying to be done with public service announcements and things like that, so there is this gradual nature, but I don’t think that people have really recognized it in that sense.

The Federal Communications Commission is holding a series of DTV clinics throughout the region up to and after the transition takes place.