Interesting thought-problem, John. Of course, there is no way that -- once shuttered for three months -- an NTSC station post December 31, 2005 would be able to resume operations, since it would be a new use of the spectrum. (30 day rule: stay off the air for 30 days, and you need to be re-authorized. Stay off the air for 1 year and you lose the license.) John Willkie -----Original Message----- From: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of John Shutt Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2004 4:15 PM To: OpenDTV Subject: [opendtv] NTSC Cutoff Date It appears that the only way to truly know how disruptive the NTSC cutoff will be is to actually try it. Why don't we have all broadcasters turn off their NTSC facilities on January 1, 2007, only in those markets where the 85% rule is valid, but require broadcasters to maintain NTSC capabilities for at least 90 days, with the understanding that they may be authorized to resume NTSC broadcasts for an additional period. Then see how many people scream at their representatives. If the din is overwhelming, then congress can authorize an additional period of simulcasting. If, on the other hand, 3% of the population hollers, then congress can decide if freeing up the spectrum has more benefit than having 3% of their constituents upset at them. John Shutt ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.