Why is the Digital TV Transition happening?
The U.S is transitioning from an ANALOG TV broadcasting system to a DIGITAL TV broadcasting system for several reasons. First, it will bring the benefits of digital technology to TV broadcasting, which has used the current ANALOG system since commercial TV began in the 1940s. This includes the ability to transmit programs with excellent quality, including stunning HIGH DEFINITION TV for viewers with HDTV sets, and incredible SURROUND SOUND. Also, TV stations can send several programs in their signal at the same time, called “MULTICASTING.” And all these programs, including HDTV, can be received with digital quality using a TV ANTENNA. Second, it will make 18 former TV channels available for other important uses. Some channels are being assigned to emergency and public service agencies, and others have been auctioned to private companies for new wireless services, earning the government nearly $20 billion in license fees.
