Government Digital Vs. Analog TV Signals
The transition from analog television broadcasting to all-digital broadcasting occurred in 2009, with extensive publicity and support from the U.S. government. Mandated by the Federal Communications Commission, the DTV transition included several steps to bring new, improved technology to millions of TV viewers.
Other People Are Reading
-
Technology
-
The main difference between analog TV signals and digital TV signals is the way the broadcast signals are encoded. According to Cnet Reviews, the analog television signals that stations used up until 2009 were similar to the ones used in the initial days of television broadcasting in the 1940s. Digital signals use a digital code (a long series of ones and zeros) to put the same video and audio information in a smaller, more compact transmission.
Reasons
-
There are several reasons that the government mandated a shift from analog to digital TV signals. One of the biggest reasons was freeing up bandwidth for other uses. By making television signals smaller, there is more airspace for advanced cell phone networks, high-speed wireless Internet and other mobile communication networks. The government also had a financial incentive--it could sell this newly available airspace to private telecommunications companies.
-
Cost
-
According to Popular Mechanics, the investment that the government made in the DTV transition totaled $1.5 billion. This money was spend on advertising and subsidies for digital tuners. The advertising included television commercials informing viewers of the impending transition and explaining who might need to purchase a digital tuner. At the same time, government-issues coupons entitled buyers to a discount on a digital TV tuner from an electronics retailer. These tuners allow an older analog television set to receive a digital TV signal.
Other Advantages
-
Besides freeing up airspace, digital TV signals produce higher-quality image and audio, and are less susceptible to interference that results in picture and sound distortion. In addition, broadcasters can embed additional information in digital TV signals, allowing viewers to see on-screen program information, including descriptions of each program.
Retention of Analog
-
Despite the completion of the DTV transition in 2009, the government's mandates allowed for networks to retain some analog television broadcasting. For a short time following the transition, broadcasters could air an analog nighttime program that included information about how to make the transition to receive digital signals for viewers who forgot to upgrade or were unaware of the change. Analog signals are also still reserved for use in emergency situations or when less power is available because analog broadcasting uses less electricity than digital broadcasting.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit complex home antenna for television image by Piter Pkruger from Fotolia.com
