Digital Broadcast Transitioning
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You may remember a while back, the post I did regarding the transition of analog broadcast TV to all digital broadcasting. That was slated to be done by February 17, 2009. However, now it’s looking like a gradual thing, and it is slated to be completely transitioned over by June 12, 2009.
June 12 is the date set by Congress, but it’s looking like some stations may go ahead and make the switch now. The remaining TV stations are expected to stop broadcasting in analog sometime between March 14th and June 12th.
So why the switch exactly?
One of the major reasonings behind the switch is that by going all digital, stations will be freeing up valuable space on the broadcast spectrum that can then be utilized for public safety communication like police and fire departments, health departments, etc. Some of the spectrum will also be auctioned off so that more advanced wireless services can be offered to consumers.
Digital TV transmission is also much more efficient than an analog broadcast, and consumers should benefit by getting a greatly improved sound and picture quality, such as High Definition TV (HDTV).
So what do you need to do to prepare?
Simple really. You need to check your TV. Most newer TV’s have a digital tuner built into them. However, if you have an older model TV, or have a TV that uses rabbit ears and the like to pick up a signal, you will need to get an analog to digital TV converter box.
This will allow you to watch all the channels that are now switched over to digital. You will also be able to still view some analog channels as well, until they are eradicated by digital broadcasting. So, bottom line is, that you don’t have to wait until June 12th to watch digital TV.
But you do need to prepare for the switch, and assess your TV set to make sure it is equipped to handle digital broadcast. If it’s not, get your analog to digital converter ASAP, so that you have it ready to go when the time comes. It would be a darn shame to miss your favorite shows because your TV won’t let you watch them!