[ stock photo courtesy of: Kenn Kiser ]
June 12, 2009. The day analog television died. We all knew this day was coming, but that doesn't lessen the pain. Allow me to offer a eulogy for my dear old friend.
Given that I'm a Gen-Xer and a native son of New York City (media capital of the world), it's no surprise that TV was a big part of my life growing up. I spent a lot of time (maybe too much) in front of that glowing screen. Ask me my favorite happy childhood memories and I can immediately list: The Sesame Street gang teaching me my A-B-Cs (PBS, Channel 13); watching School House Rock on ABC Saturday mornings. (Who knew that catchy ad-like jingles could teach you stuff and be fun? "Conjunction Junction, what's your function? Hooking up words and phrases and clauses..."); and watching movies at 4:30 weekday afternoons instead of doing homework. (Thanks, WABC Channel 7—especially for the many “Godzilla” weeks!)
Maybe I had a sheltered childhood, but over-the-air TV opened up a wonderful world of entertainment (and learning)—all for free... using just a simple antenna. It captivated millions of others, including the nearly 106 million Americans who watched the finale of M*A*S*H, the more than 90 million who discovered first-hand, who shot "J.R." on Dallas, and the nearly 53 million who watched Friends go for that one last cup of coffee at "Central Perk." Truly free TV was indeed powerful in its day.
But analog TV technology gave us many moments of grief along with the joy. Those snowy, ghost-filled video images... the poor sound... the limited number of channels... In fact, the successor to the old and now-dead dog could breathe new life into free, over-the-air TV. Just look at some of DTV's cable-like enhancements: crystal-clear, colorful video—and in high-definition, if you have an HDTV; improved stereo audio—multi-channel surround sound (again, for HDTV); and more channels—up to four additional "sub-channels" per broadcaster for alternate programming. How can I not like sub-channels 7-2 and 4-2 which focus exclusively on local weather and news 24/7?
All that now-available electronic "space" can be used for other things—better communications for emergency first responders or more wireless Web connections, for examples. What's more, the government auction of those electronic remnants of analog TV could generate billions of dollars for the U.S.
Still, the passing of analog TV technology has had some unexpected consequences for me and millions of others.
For example:
- My VCRs, digital video recorders (DVRs), and DVD recorders are all useless without a DTV converter box—one with a VCR timer feature so I'm not limited to recording only one digital channel when I'm not around.
- Though I've gained some channels, I've lost others. My HDTV and DTV boxes can't find WCBS even though its transmitters are located on the Empire State Building alongside those of the other major networks that I can view with no problem.
- During periods of heavy rain or other atmospheric conditions, even the stations I do receive might "drop out." In other words, I can no longer depend on over-the-air broadcasts.
I and countless other Americans will undoubtedly find ways to cope—whether by subscribing to pay-TV services or turning to other substitutes such as streaming videos and TV shows from the Net or even (gasp!) stop watching TV altogether! But for now, I choose to honor and remember analog TV for all it has done—and done well—for so many years of my life. —Paul Eng
P.S. What do you think? Share your grief or glee in the comments section. But please remember: We are a "family-friendly" site, so keep it clean, respectful, and on-topic!
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