By Expert Panel | Published April 26, 2007

When can we expect the final switchover to Digital TV?

To make the transition to DTV, a Digital Transition Timeline was established. Congress' original date to stop the over-the-air broadcasting of analog channels was to be the end of 2006 but as with most projects, the deadline got pushed back. It is now February 17th, 2009.

What is Digital TV?
Digital Television. No two words have ever brought as much promise, and confusion. This new type of broadcasting technology is transforming the way we experience television. Digital Television (DTV) is simply more flexible and efficient than the current broadcast system, which is an “analog” system. It enables broadcasters to offer more programming and ultra-high resolution High Definition broadcasts (HDTV).

Who’s in charge?
Changing the entire country to a new broadcast standard is a monumental undertaking. The force behind this change is the US Government, or more specifically, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It was the FCC that developed the standards and timelines for the transition to DTV.

It should be noted that your viewing pleasure wasn’t the only concern the FCC had in mind. The conversion to DTV will also free up scarce and valuable broadcast airwaves. That’s because DTV technology is much more efficient than the current analog technology, and allows more program material to be broadcast over fewer airwaves. These valuable airwaves can then be devoted to other uses, such as advanced wireless and public safety services.

What about cable TV?
Cable operators pick up most local broadcasts at a central location and send them to homes over cable.

The digital transition for cable customers should be easy. Due to a compromise adopted by the FCC in September 2007, cable companies will provide both a digital signal and a duplicate analog format. This means that all channels can be viewed on any older analog TV sets connected to cable.

Does this change what kind of TV I should buy?
If you plan on buying a new TV that’s to be hooked up to a roof or indoor antenna, you should look for an integrated (built-in) ATSC or Digital TV tuner. In fact, FCC rules now require that any TV be equipped with a Digital TV tuner. This requirement is being phased to include all televisions and other products that have analog tuners. If you are going to be using cable or satellite, you may not need a Digital TV tuner. But if the local broadcast channels you want to view are not carried by the cable or satellite provider, you would need a Digital TV tuner and antenna to receive them.

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