DTV transition

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The DTV transition (or Broadcast Digital Transition) is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting of free television programming. The transition from analog to digital television has been described by David Rehr, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, as representing "the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced."[1]

Contents

[edit] United States

The transition from the analog NTSC format to the digital ATSC format will be completed on February 17, 2009, as set by Congress.[2] Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.[2] Television stations have been preparing for the transition from analog to DTV since the late 1990s, when they began building digital facilities and airing digital channels alongside regular analog broadcasts. Today, 1,609 out of 1,745 full power television stations nationwide offer digital programming.[3] Since the majority of US viewership is no longer using over-the-air to receive signals, but has switched to cable and satellite, the impact will be much smaller on current NTSC receivers which will continue to use NTSC content and devices after the cut-off date. Set-top boxes will enable existing over-the-air NTSC only receivers to watch over-the-air ATSC signals. A major concern is that the broadcast technology used to transmit ATSC signals called 8VSB has problems receiving signal inside buildings and in urban areas.[4] The Consumer Electronics Association has set up a website called Antenna Web[5] to identify means to provide the correct signal reception to over-the-air viewers.

When the transition is complete, channels 2 through 51 will be used for digital television broadcasts, and channels 52 through 69 will be reclaimed for other uses.[6]

The rules requiring Cable and Satellite are still being worked out by the FCC and Congress due to technical issues with available channel capacity and replacement of analog/SD signals with Digital/HDTV signals.[7]

[edit] Coupon program

Main article: CECB
An example of the FCC converter box $40 subsidy coupon, which is in the form of a bank card which cannot be used for anything except for a converter box purchase.
An example of the FCC converter box $40 subsidy coupon, which is in the form of a bank card which cannot be used for anything except for a converter box purchase.[8]

The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, as authorized in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005.[9]

Beginning January 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible for two $40 USD coupons to be used toward the purchase of two digital-to-analog converter boxes.[10].

These coupons may be redeemed at various retailers toward the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter, including the following:

  • Wal-Mart
  • Circuit City
  • RadioShack
  • Best Buy
  • BSAT e-shop
  • Data Action LLC
  • Solid Signal
  • Convert My TV
  • Compu Parts and More
  • Consumer Electronics Group
  • FreeDTVShop

[edit] United Kingdom

The DTV transition began in the United Kingdom as FreeView broadcasting additional standard definition[SD] programming using DVB-T. The United Kingdom has a phased switchover based upon region.[11]

[edit] Digital-to-analog converters

Main article: Digital television adapter

After the switch from analog to digital broadcasts is complete, analog TVs will be incapable of receiving over-the-air broadcasts without the addition of a set-top converter box. Consequently, a digital-to-analog converter, an electronic device that connects to an analog television, must be used in order to allow the television to receive digital broadcasts.[12] The box may also be called a "set-top" converter, "digital TV adapter" (DTA), or "digital set-top box" (DSTB).[13]

[edit] References and notes

  1. ^ Broadcasters Prepare For DTV Transition. TWICE (January 7, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  2. ^ a b All-Digital Television Is Coming (And Sooner Than You Think!). Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  3. ^ What is Digital Television? for the public, by DTV Answers. Accessed 11 May 2007.
  4. ^ http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/reports/dtvreprt.pdf
  5. ^ http://www.antennaweb.org Antenna Web
  6. ^ http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-275789A1.pdf
  7. ^ The BRIDGE
  8. ^ TV Converter Box Coupon Program Website - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  9. ^ Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. NTIA.gov. Retrieved on 2008-02-15.
  10. ^ TV Converter Box Coupon Program Website
  11. ^ Digital - Switchover. BBC (March 23, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  12. ^ A television commercial shown on American television featuring This Old House announces that this is true.
  13. ^ What is a set-top converter box?. Digital TV Facts (2007). Retrieved on 2008-03-23.

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DTV_transition"
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