DTV is the next generation of broadcasting technology, which replaced traditional analog signals with digital television transmissions.
On the DTV transition deadline for the U.S., June 12, 2009, the Federal Communications Commission put 4,000 customer support staff members on standby to assist the over one million customers that may lose television signals as television stations began cutting analog signals.http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=414202
Why the Change is Necessary
The switch to digital provides a better television experience through clearer pictures, better sound quality and greater program selection.
Television customers currently using a digital converter box provided by their cable or satellite provider, were not affected, however older televisions without built-in digital converters using a set top or roof top antenna, need an additional converter box. The U.S. Government set up a program for those needing a converter box, offering coupons to offset partial costs of the boxes. However, the funding for the coupon program ran out in early January.
Proposed Postponement
In early January of 2009, about month before the original transition date of February 17, 2009, Barack Obama's transition team sent an open letter to members of Congress, suggesting that the switch to DTV be delayed until June.FOXNews.com: Obama: Let's Postpone Digital-TV Switch (January 9, 2009) On January 26, 2009, the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to postpone the switch until June 12, 2009.CNET: Senate OKs delay of digital TV transition (January 26, 2009) On January 28, 2009, the House defeated the bill, saying that the delay could cause confusion for customers.Gizmodo: House Defeats Bill To Delay Analog TV Transition (January 28, 2009)
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References
Fast Facts
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Consumers using a digital cable or satellite box were not affected
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DTV requires compatible television hardware or a DTV Converter Box
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The government offered coupons to reduce the cost of converter boxes
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The funds for the government coupon program ran out in early January of 2009Gizmodo: DTV Coupon Program Broke, Busted (January 7, 2009)
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As of late January, 2009, an estimated 6.5 million homes were still running on analog serviceGizmodo: House Defeats Bill To Delay Analog TV Transition (January 28, 2009)
