From Analog to Digital TV
Making the Switch
For more information:
What is the digital TV transition?
The switch from analog TV (the traditional TV system using magnetic waves to transmit and display TV pictures and sound) to digital television (the new TV system using information transmitted as "data bits" -- like a computer -- to display movie-quality pictures and sound), is referred to at the digital TV (DTV) transition.
DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. DTV will free up scarce and valuable spectrum for public safety and new wireless services.
On June 12, 2009, full power television stations will stop analog broadcasting and transition to digital broadcasting.
Households that do not subscribe to cable or satellite services will need either a television set capable of receiving DTV programming, or a digital-to-analog converter box. Digital-to-analog converter boxes will make DTV signals viewable on analog TV sets. These converter boxes will be available in retail stores during the transition.
What is the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Assistance Program?
U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program. More information can be found at www.dtv2009.gov.
Why are we switching to DTV?
In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each TV broadcaster so that they could introduce DTV service while simultaneously continuing their analog TV broadcasts.
DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with “analog” technology.
DTV allows the same number of stations to broadcast using fewer total channels (less of the broadcast spectrum) which will free up scarce and valuable spectrum for public safety and new wireless services (for example, police, fire departments, and rescue squads).
Source: http://www.dtv.gov