Norway is set to become the first nation to start switching off its FM radio network next week, in a risky and unpopular leap to digital technology that will be closely watched by other countries considering whether to follow suit.
Critics say the government is rushing the move and many people may miss warnings on emergencies that have until now been broadcast via the radio. Of particular concern are the two million cars on Norway's roads that are not equipped with digital audio broadcasting (DAB) receivers, they say.
Sixty-six per cent of Norwegians oppose switching off FM, with just 17 per cent in favour and the rest undecided, according to an opinion poll published by the daily Dagbladet last month.
Nevertheless, parliament gave the final go-ahead for the move last month, swayed by the fact that digital networks can carry more radio channels.
Should there be a push to switch off FM radio in order to 'persuade' users to upgrade their receiving equipment? Or should the change be implemented much more slowly to enable FM radios to be replaced as they age? How would you do it?
(Score: 2) by Snotnose on Saturday January 07 2017, @04:10AM
I don't live in Norway, and I listen to FM radio maybe an hour a week. But if you vote to take away my FM band without giving me money to replace both my car and my living room stereo I'm gonna vote your ass out of office first chance I get. I don't care where you stand on gun control, abortion, nuclear proliferation, or banging 8 year olds. Your ass is grass to me.
When the dust settled America realized it was saved by a porn star.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday January 07 2017, @04:13AM
Instead of buying a subsidized converter box, how many people did you murder ten years ago, when your NTSC was replaced by ATSC?
(Score: 2) by Snotnose on Saturday January 07 2017, @04:55AM
I live in a hilly area (San Diego) where you can point your antenna to get 1 good station, 2-3 iffy stations. So I've got cable, have since my parents got it 50+ years ago.
FWIW, got an HDTV 4-5 years back, got 3-4 antennas from Amazon to plug into it. Still 1 good station, 2-3 iffy stations.
In San Diego you're pretty much stuck with cable.
When the dust settled America realized it was saved by a porn star.
(Score: 2) by nethead on Saturday January 07 2017, @05:44AM
Tell me about it. I live in a native fishing village north of Seattle. I have to listen to the Seahawks games on AM radio.
The one TV in the bedroom is hooked to a 5 year old Mint Linux box that we "stream" TPB from.
At least I don't waste a lot of time in the summer watching the Mariners crash and burn yet another year.
How did my SN UID end up over 3 times my /. UID?