The Digital Television Revolution

You may have heard that we are currently in a transition period from analog television to digital television (DTV). Analog television has been the standard since we began to use magnetic waves to transmit picture and sound. Congress has set February 17, 2009, as the end of the transition period to DTV as the national standard.

The government has several reasons for calling for the transition to DTV. DTV will give you access to a wide variety of different and new services. With DTV, the information is transferred in "data bits." The amount of space required to transmit these "data bits" is much smaller than what is required for analog television. Not only is the picture and sound quality improved with DTV, but due to the DTV's efficiency, DTV also frees up parts of the broadcast spectrum, allowing space in the spectrum for other uses.

DTV opens a wide range of choices for both broadcaster and consumer. DTV makes it possible for broadcasters to transmit high definition television, known as HDTV. Although HDTV uses about the same bandwidth as analog, HDTV transmits more than six times the information, leading to the huge improvement in sound and quality that you hear about with HDTV.

Also using the technology of DTV, broadcasters can choose to can transmit several "standard definition" TV programs at the same time rather than transmitting one program in HDTV. This is known as multicasting. Also, using DTV technology, broadcasters can provide interactive video and data services.

Up until the deadline date of February 17, 2009, broadcasters will be required by law to maintain analog service until at least 85 percent of the homes in the area can get DTV. But don't be worried that your analog TV will not be usable come February 18, 2009. Set-top boxes are available currently that can switch digital signals to analog signals. With the set-top box, you will not be able to get all the benefits of DTV but you will still be able to watch TV on your analog television. To get the full quality of DTV or HDTV, you will need to get a DTV television set.

To find out more information about DTV, visit the FCC's Web site all about DTV.