With continued concerns that federal officials aren’t doing enough to prepare the public for the upcoming switch to all-digital broadcast television next year, Wilmington, N.C., has volunteered to be the government’s guinea pig. The Federal Communications Commission announced Thursday that broadcasters in the city will turn off their analog signals permanently on Sept. 8. That is about five months before the government-mandated switchover in the rest of the country Feb. 18.
Going digital?
Will you be ready when the government flips the digital switch? For a MoneyWise story, we’re looking for area households that are ready or aren’t, but that have given some thought to the event. Please send e-mail to Jennifer Mann at jmann@kcstar.com.
Airline turbulence
Delta Air Lines Inc. is in the process of closing nine of its airport VIP lounges in the U.S. and Britain, citing the need to manage costs because of hefty fuel prices. One of the locations is at Kansas City International Airport.
In addition, Delta and American Airlines have again raised ticket prices, this time by $20 round trip, to recoup rapidly rising fuel costs.
Apple refunds
Apple Inc. agreed to pay refunds of $25 to $79 to as many as 2.3 million customers to resolve claims that PowerBook and iBook power adapters were defective. Customers who bought certain replacement adapters are eligible for the settlement.
Passenger assistance
Federal regulators said they will expand protections for passengers with disabilities to cover international flights by U.S. carriers and make it easier for travelers to use oxygen equipment. The Transportation Department said it will require airlines to let passengers use portable oxygen concentrators that are approved for use on aircraft.
Highlander recall
Toyota plans to recall about 90,000 Highlander sport utility vehicles starting in June to fix a problem that could prevent the seat belt in a third-row seat from securing a rear-facing child seat. The vehicles under the recall were built between May 2007 and March 2008.
GM mulls changes
General Motors Corp. may be forced to break up a seven-decade marriage of pickups and large sport utility vehicles. Under pressure to produce more fuel-efficient and cleaner-running vehicles, GM is investigating ways to design a lighter car-like replacement for its biggest SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, according to a Bloomberg News report. GM declined to comment.
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