A dizzying array of HD-related products, announcements and discussion marked the recently concluded National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in Las Vegas, generating much food for thought across all industry sectors, including ad agencies, production houses and the post community.
And while you could hear plenty at NAB heralding the digital revolution, including HDTV, there was but a relative whisper regarding those who may have a hard time staying connected. So while you’ve read a great deal in SHOOT about digital TV’s applications and implications for the industry in recent years, I thought it might be a good time to reflect on those households that might be passed by.
One in five U.S. households depends on a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears to get a TV picture. Without converter boxes, those TV set screens will for the most part go blank on Feb. 18, 2009 when federal law currently mandates that broadcast stations switch off analog signals and transmit exclusively in digital. Thus while most of us will have vastly sharper pictures and access to a wider range of multicasting channels provided by networks like NBC, ABC and PBS, a significant number of the country’s people who are already somewhat disenfranchised run the risk of becoming even less connected.
Households without cable or satellite service tend to have lower incomes and, according to research, ethnic minorities–African-Americans and Latinos in particular–are more likely than whites to receive only over-the-air TV.
Furthermore a poll found that more than 60 percent of respondents who rely on broadcast TV (not cable or a satellite service) aren’t even aware of the analog to digital transition. To help remedy this, TV networks, cable providers and consumer electronics companies plan to raise public awareness through website content and millions of dollars worth of airtime for PSAs starting in ’08.
The Department of Commerce also intends to give qualifying households a $40 coupon toward the purchase of a basic converter box, which would cover most of what such a box should cost. It remains to be seen, though, if enough coupons will be available to cover those households truly in need.
At the same time, however, further delaying the digital transition to help these needy households would also have far reaching negative repercussions for everyone in that once TV has successfully gone digital, it will open up the availability of analog airwaves for free to public safety organizations.
Among the recipients would be police and fire departments and emergency medical units whose communications systems would be markedly improved. As we’ve learned from 9/11 reports, one of the major flaws in the country’s emergency response mechanism is the lack of viable communications systems linking these live-saving professionals so that they can be more responsive to serious situations as they unfold.
So while it’s easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles–and cool gadgetry–as we are at the doorstep of an exciting digital era, let’s not forget those who are in jeopardy of doing without as well as the importance of those who come to our aid in times of emergency. An inclusive, intelligent digital transition is in the best interest of us all.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Sonic 3” Rule Box Office For 1st Weekend Of 2025
The Walt Disney Co.'s "Mufasa: The Lion King" claimed the No. 1 spot on the North American box office charts over the first weekend of 2025.
The photorealistic "Lion King" prequel earned $23.8 million in its third weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. Paramount's "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," which has dominated the past two weekends, wasn't far behind.
"Sonic 3" stayed close with a 3-day estimate of $21.2 million, bringing its total domestic earnings to $187.5 million and helping the overall franchise cross $1 billion worldwide. "Mufasa's" running total is slightly less, with $169.2 million.
In third place, Focus Features' "Nosferatu" remake defied the fate of so many of its genre predecessors and fell only 39% in its second weekend. Horror films typically fall sharply after the first weekend and anything less than a 50% decline is notable. "Nosferatu," which added 140 screens, claimed $13.2 million in ticket sales, bringing its running total to $69.4 million since its Christmas debut. The film, directed by Robert Eggers, already surpassed its reported production budget of $50 million, though that figure does not account for marketing and promotion expenses).
No new wide releases opened this weekend, leaving the box office top 10 once again to holdovers from previous weeks. Several have been in theaters since Thanksgiving. One of those, "Moana 2," claimed the No. 4 spot for Disney in its sixth weekend in theaters. The animated sequel earned another $12.4 million, bumping its global total to $960.5 million.
The Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown," dipped only slightly in its second weekend, bringing in $8.1 million. With $41.7 million total, it's Searchlight's highest grossing film since Disney acquired the company in... Read More