FCC Adds Help Line Staff to Field Digital TV Transition Calls

To help viewers with Friday's complete transition to digital TV, the Federal Communications Commission has beefed up the staff for its DTV help line.
The FCC and Nielsen estimate that 2.8 million — or 2.5 percent of — U.S. homes who receive analog over-the-air broadcast signals are still unprepared to receive a digital signal. So, the agency has brought on 4,000 staffers to assist viewers who to lose their TV signals.
"Today's historic transition to digital TV is an important step forward in U.S. broadcasting, offering consumers access to more free over-the-air programming as well as higher quality pictures and sound," acting FCC Chairman Michael J. Copps said in a statement. "At the same time, I recognize the great challenge that today's switch presents for many consumers. Even though the overwhelming majority of households are DTV-ready, we are fully committed to helping those who have yet to join the digital television age both today and in the days to come."
Although the FCC expects a number of calls to be resolved with simple explanations — adjusting antennas or rescanning for new digital channels with digital converter boxes — the agency will evaluate call center traffic through Monday and adjust accordingly. "We are ready to respond quickly and focus resources wherever they may be needed," Copps said.
A "soft test" meant to warn viewers who weren't prepared for the transition was conducted in May. On the day of the test, the FCC's help line received a record 55,000 calls. The FCC did not release any call center data for Friday's actual transition.
For information on how to make sure your home is DTV ready, click here or call the FCC help line at 1-800-CALL-FCC.