Problem two- TV broadcasters are currently broadcasting on two frequencies, one for the analog signal which will end 'sometime', and one for the digital signal which is our 'future'. Some of these are both VHF signals, some are both UHF signals, And some are VHF now but will be UHF after the transition (or vice versa). The problem lies with the fact that many who have tried to follow the lead of the transition purveyors are not aware that the transmissions they are currently receiving through converter boxes or digital tuners of their newer Televisions frequencies will change after the magical transition date. So those who believe they are ready (ahead of the curve) will wake to find their reception has gone black as well. IT takes a very different antenna to receive VHF vs. UHF signals.

Problem three- Local broadcasters have only followed the required notification process without any additional technical information being made available to enable better preparedness.

Problem four- This transition has been repeatedly miscategorized as a HDTV transition, further confusing the public (often hastening the purchase of, still overpriced, HDTV televisions. HDTV is a digital transmission, but most digital television transmissions will NOT be HDTV after the transition.

Problem five- The signal from a digital transmission is often much more susceptible to environmental influences (disruptions). This is in part due to physics laws, transmission antenna limitations, broadcast power limitations (especially pre-transition), Limitations of the DTV tuners in Televisions and converter boxes and of course the fact that this is relatively new technology on the consumer side and market forces have not favored innovation! (Why improve something if I can sell the minimum now , then improve it and sell the new model tomorrow?

Suggestions-
Find additional funding for the converter box program.

Postpone till July, the end of analog broadcasting.

Require broadcasters to meet the February deadline for broadcasting from their final transmitter antenna location and final transmission frequency (That is switch from the temporary digital frequency to the final digital frequency and, likewise, switch the analog signal into the frequency currently being used by the digital signal) This will enable end users to actually get ready for the transition and know what equipment (antenna type, preamps, rotators…)are needed to receive a signal. This will maintain an analog signal while folks finalize their readiness for the transition to digital only signals.

Require local broadcasters to specify their final frequencies, transmitter antenna locations, transmitter power.

Be honest and inform the public that due to current technological limitations some of us will no longer be able to receive over the air television signals. This will likely be a relatively rare instance, but that remains to be seen.

It is true that some of the info I have suggested be made more readily available is already available if you know where to look, most folks aren't even aware that they need do anymore than buy a converter box and have some kid hook it up for them!