When I last addressed the topic of digital television conversion, Congress had voted not to extend the deadline of February 17, 2009 (today) for TV stations in the U.S. to cease all analog transmission.
Of course, we’re talking about the government.
And, we’re talking about last month.
Subsequently (a couple of weeks ago), our friends on Capitol Hill changed their collective minds, voting in favor of extending the deadline to June 12, 2009 for stations to covert to all-digital transmission in Washington.
What we’re left with: some stations are indeed halting analog transmission as of today, while others may do it between today and June, and still others may wait until the very last day.
The three “full-power” (about 5000 kW) TV broadcasters in my region (South Bend, Indiana) have indeed all turned off their analog signal today, while a report I saw in the Chicago Tribune said that as many as 400 stations might cease analog broadcasting today.
It will probably take a bit longer to see what impact any of this will have on wireless microphone and other wireless entertainment systems, but in the meantime, go here for a very good primer.