Johnathan Davis over at the International Business Times wrote an interesting article about the firmness of the FCC's February 17, 2009 for the Big Switch to DTV. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is quoted as saying that the deadline for the switch is a "hard deadline". Mr. Martin further explained that a firm deadline was important for industry. Mr. Martin appears to be trying to stop rumors that the deadline for broadcasters to begin transmitting exclusively in DTV format could be extended.
At the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Kevin Martin said Tuesday that the February 2009 deadline would be a "hard deadline," and postponement would "dis-incentivize" the industry's transition.
"Having an actual date certain is important to allow people to prepare for it and start rolling out services," said the FCC Chairman. "It's critical for us to go forward without any kind of movement" on the calendar.