Digital Broadcast Vs. Analog
With all the commotion surrounding the switch from analog to digital television, it has not been explained well as to why the switch would be beneficial to most. Either way, all of us will be forced to change if we receive television by antenna, so this is a primer on the advantages of the new technology.
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Bandwidth
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One of the reasons the United States decided to switch to digital is for bandwidth considerations. Regulators wanted to make the switch from analog to digital and standard definition to HDTV at the same time. While you can broadcast HDTV signals over analog (Japan has done it), it takes up more bandwidth. This also allows broadcasters to squeeze more programming into the same bandwidth.
Programming
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The saved bandwidth allows broadcasters to transmit several simultaneous streams of data to exist in the same allotted bandwidth as an analog signal. What this means is that when you are able to receive the main channel, you would also get several subchannels of digital programming if the broadcaster offers them.
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Signal Quality
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With a digital signal, you will either receive a clear picture or a blue screen--all or nothing. This will eliminate the snowy and unclear pictures that long have been a part of analog television programming. While this will sacrifice some reception over longer distances, it will ensure that a clear picture and sound is received by all viewers.
Enhanced TV
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Along with the capability for HDTV signals and high-definition sound, digital broadcasts will also enable the broadcaster to send streams of data to receivers. This stream of data, sent at 19.2 MBps, could contain just about anything: pictures, video, news articles or games.
Considerations
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All broadcasters are required by law to begin broadcasting in digital during 2009. In order for analog televisions to receive these signals, a digital TV set-top box is required. These are being offered at just about every major electronics retailer.
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