Carroll County Times Articles
Switch to Digital TV Has Advantages
by Richard Waganer – February 15, 2009
Depending on how you receive TV programming, the digital TV transition could be just another day or the end of television viewing in your home.
The date to switch over to the new digital TV feeds has been pushed back from Feb. 17 to June 12. So now that you have a little more time, let's try to understand what the DTV switch really is, why it's happening and how you can be certain you're ready when the new DTV deadline arrives.
Since the advent of television broadcasting, each television station was assigned a specific frequency or channel by the Federal Communications Commission to transmit their signal from the stations' broadcasting antenna to our home TV sets. Rooftop antennas helped to obtain the best reception, but small set-top antennas worked as well. When cable, fiber and satellite services became available, many homes no longer used an antenna.
Although the DTV transition will affect everyone, homes that receive their television signals over the air via an antenna will be the most affected. In other words, if you already pay for cable, fiber or satellite, your ability to receive television signals should not change. But if you use an antenna, you will have to investigate your televisions ability to receive the new digital signals. In general, new televisions purchased after 2005 should contain the digital tuner. Since each TV is different, you may need to review the instruction manual to discover its capabilities; look for the words "Digital Ready Tuner."
One primary concern of the DTV transition is that minorities, low-income families, the elderly and people living in rural areas will be among the most disproportionately affected by the transition. To compound this problem, most of the DTV transition information provided to the public is distributed on Web sites. Many of the most affected homes don't have Web access, and hence, no access to the information they need to setup DTV. In addition, the government issues coupons to help offset the cost of digital converters, but the application for the coupons in on a Web site.
So what is the DTV transition and why is it so important? In general, it's real estate. Well actually, it's called the broadcast spectrum, the amount of space a signal takes up in the airwaves. A digital television signal is much more efficient than analog and delivers a far better picture and sound quality. Broadcasters can even send multiple signals at the same time on the same amount of spectrum. For example, many local stations currently broadcast a digital, 24-hour weather channel as well as their regular programs.
The broadcast spectrum that becomes available when all of the original analog stations are turned off in June will be used for newly developed communication services, wireless broadband and more advanced services for everyone. The FCC is auctioning off the spectrum to companies that need it for these futuristic gadgets. But that's another story.
ON THE NET
For more on digital TV, visit: www.dtvanswers.com.
About the Author
Richard Waganer is the owner and producer/director of Waganer Digital Video, a board member of the Carroll Technology Council and chairman of the CTC marketing committee. He can be reached at Rich@Waganer.com, or visit www.waganer.com.
