Why Are Broadcast TV Stations Switching to All-Digital?
By icyorchid
@icyorchid (2564)
United States
April 4, 2008 10:42am CST
On February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format. Here’s what these requirements will mean for you and your television viewing.
Why Are Broadcast TV Stations Switching to All-Digital?
Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.
Read the rest of the story
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html
2 people like this
4 responses
@wickedangel (1636)
• Dominican Republic
6 Apr 08
I think this is happening all around the world, trying to free up analog wavebands for the emergency services. My mother is rather annoyed that she has to have digital too because it means that the old tvs don't work without the little box which, correct me if I'm wrong, I think the individual has to pay for! Although it is a nuisance now, in a couple of years we won't even remember the analog format! Here's to progress...
@icyorchid (2564)
• United States
7 Apr 08
Apply for a coupon for $40 off the box
https://www.dtv2009.gov/
2 people like this
@jassujith (16)
• India
4 Apr 08
After February 17, 2009, you will be able to receive and view over-the-air digital programming with an analog TV only by purchasing a digital-to-analog set-top converter box . Between January 1, 2008,and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes.
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@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
4 Apr 08
Well I really don't know the full benefits of HD since i can't tell the difference..looks the same to me..I was brought up on black and white so i really don't care how the color is..its the show that keeps me coming back.
Now if my cable company starts charging me more then i will worry.
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