NAB's New TV Spots Help Consumers Complete Upgrade to Digital TV

March 31, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has released a new round of television spots to help guide consumers through the final steps in upgrading to digital television before the June 12 national transition.

Produced as part of NAB's rebranding effort to educate viewers about the new deadline, the new spots provide in-depth information about converter boxes and reception issues, building on previous NAB spots that address these topics.

The three new 30-second spots briefly explain how to hook up converter boxes, provide tips on positioning antennas to maximize reception and explain the importance of scanning and rescanning for digital channels. These topics were among the most common in consumer calls to individual stations and the Federal Communications Commission national call center after many stations transitioned early on February 17. The spots can be viewed here.

"These latest spots hit on the nuts and bolts of digital television and are designed to help viewers complete their final steps in upgrading, so they can enjoy the multiple benefits of digital to the fullest extent possible," said NAB Vice President for Digital Television Jonathan Collegio.

The new spots complement a wide variety of on-air, online and grassroots consumer education initiatives led by NAB on behalf of America's broadcasters. All full-power stations are required by law to broadcast exclusively in digital by June 12, 2009, although some stations may switch prior to that date.