Digital transition

What does the digital transition, sometimes called the analog shutdown mean for your home theater ?

By now, you may have heard on the news or heard talk around the water cooler about the digital transition or the analog shutdown.  There is a lot of misinformation floating around such as:

• Everyone will automatically begin receiving high definition television or
• You will have to throw out your current television because it will no longer work

But what really is the digital transition and what does it mean for you?

In 1996 the U.S. congress authorized an additional broadcast channel to TV broadcasters so that they could add digital tv service along with their analog tv service.  Digital tv offers several important advantages over analog such as improved picture and sound as well as a more efficient transmission that allows for freeing up parts of the broadcast spectrum.

What is so important about February 17, 2009?

As of this date, broadcasters will no longer be able to broadcast on their analog channels.  Broadcasts will need to be digital.  The analog spectrum that was assigned to broadcasters will be reclaimed at this time allowing for additional public safety channels such as fire, police and emergency response channels.  Additionally, the federal government will benefit by auctioning off parts of these reclaimed airwaves to wireless companies and other businesses with an estimated value of about $10 billion.  

Will your current analog tv no longer work after the analog shutdown?

Have no fear, you will not have to carry your television out to the trash heap at this time.  There are several things to consider.  If you receive your television service over the air (from an antenna) and if you have an analog tv then you will need to get a converter box which takes the digital signal and converts it to an analog signal for your tv. 

The government has set up an assistance program that will begin in 2008 in which $40 coupons will be distributed to consumers towards the purchase of digital to analog converter boxes.

If you already have a tv with a digital tuner built in then you will not have to worry about any changes.

What if you have satellite tv or cable tv?

Satellite tv is already digital so this will not affect you.  If you have digital cable service then you are already receiving the digital channels.  If you have "regular" cable you will need to check with your local cable company.  Some cable companies will convert the signal at its source so that subscribers can view the signal on their analog sets.  Others will provide users with set top converter boxes to convert the digital signals to analog.

Are all new televisions that are sold digital televisions?

All new televisions that are currently being manufactured are now required to include digital tuners so they will be set to receive the digital signals.  Keep in mind however that retailers may still sell any tvs that they have in inventory that may not have digital tuners built in, however consumers must be alerted that these sets do not include digital tuners.

So does the digital transition mean that all broadcasts will be in high definition?

The analog shutdown means that all broadcasts will be digital, which will provide a noticable increase in picture and sound quality, however this does not necessarily mean they will be in high definition.  Although all high definition is digital, a channel can be digital but may not be high definition.  It is also important to note that in order to receive high definition you will need a high definition television.  A set top converter box will not convert your analog television into a HDTV. 

Digital transition/Analog shutdown closing comments

The digital conversion is not something to be feared.  It is a good thing for home theater owners.  All broadcasts will be in digital ensuring that you will get a high quality picture and sound.  The increased efficiency of digital allows broadcasters to transmit high definition signals or to multicast several standard definition channels.