On February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format. Congress mandated the conversion so that electronics companies could sell bazillion of dollars worth of new televisions 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.

If you’re like me and have become the family geek that everyone asks about these things – you’ll be happy to learn of this educational video series. Broadcasting & Cable Magazine have teamed with online video site MonkeySee to produce a series of programs that explain all about the conversion of TV to digital. So next time Aunt Susie asks what you know about the digital television change taking place on February 17, 2009 – send her to the link below.

Broadcasting & Cable – Prepare for the Digital Television Transition