The switch over from analog to digital television

by: Justin D. Udo

WHAT IS THIS SWITCH OVER?
America is getting ready for the biggest change in television, well..... since television.
For the last decade television stations have been working on the way they give and we
receive broadcast signals. In February 2009 that is closer than you may think, there is a big change coming. Localbroadcasters will turn off their analog transmitters and start broadcasting exclusively
in digital.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO ME?
a local tv channel can offer you several programs at the same time. In addition to the main
feed coming from the network, you might see a weather channel and radar on another
channel. Some broadcasters are sending four channels at the same time.
Contrary to what many people may think, you do not need to get a new television.
If you do not have digital cable, satellite or a high definition television you will need to get a
converter box. These boxes will cost between 40 and 80 dollars. Every household is
eligible for two 40 dollar coupons. These boxes will be sold by local retailers.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BROADCASTERS?
This switch is mandated by the government and is costing stations hundreds of thousands
of dollars."A lot of stations around the country haven't yet made this update," says Kevin Wright the chief engineer at CBS 5 in Syracuse."what most of our stations are still facing is that we need to upgrade our own internal systems to devote to a totally digital plan."
THE BOTTOM LINE!
To make sure you won't be left behind remember, you can connect your TV to a analog to digital converter box,
buy a digital television with a built-in digital tuner or subscribe to a paid TV service. If you take one of these steps you won't be left behind in the analog age.