ROCK CITY NEWS
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY

VOL 17 NO 18       SEPTEMBER 2, 1999

EYE ON Y2K

Much has been written about the so called "Y2K millennium computer bug". Recently on the Sheena and Sam Show on 97.1 KLSX, the topic was discussed at length by callers who were quite unaware about the issue. Let me tell you the bottom line on this one: there is going to be some chaos. ANY electronic device with a digital read and a running time program has what is called the ICS chip installed in it. ICS stands for INTEGRATED CIRCUITRY SYSTEM. When something like a television set or clock radio is manufactured, the day its assembly is complete the ICS chip is activated and its internal clock begins to keep track of the time, date and year INTERNALLY. Between 1983 and 1997, nearly all electronic devices were made with this chip installed. These chips were also placed in the electronic components of automobile computers as well. When the 12:00.00 on 010100 come up at the end of this year these ICS chips are designed to shut down or "reset". Try to imagine thousands of cars stalling when: the clock strikes midnight. Many will be watching on televisions made before 1997 when they go off at the midnight hour. Get ready people, Y2K might just turn this country into a live version of MAD MAX. It will probably take over two years just to get all the cars off the roads. Be prepared! That is all.….