The Big Switch

February 17th is a big day for millions of households that are still using analog televisions with rabbit ears. On this day television broadcasters are required to stop transmitting programming over the air as an analog signal and switch to a completely digital signal.

Even though Congress has voted to delay the switch until June 12th, broadcasters are being allowed to turn off analog signals as soon as the original February 17th date if they choose to do so. Transmitting both the analog and digital broadcast signals simultaneously is more expensive than transmitting only in digital. The reason for this delay is because of concerns that too many Americans will not be prepared for the switch. An article by ABC News states

The Nielsen Co. estimates that more than 6.5 million U.S. households that rely on analog television sets to pick up over-the-air broadcast signals could see their TV sets go dark next month if the transition is not postponed.

During this postponement period, the government will be gathering more funds in order to supply coupons to the public that can be used to purchase analog-to-digital converter boxes. The Commerce Department hit a $1.34 billion funding limit and is trying to send out new coupons as old ones expire and free up additional money.

The converter boxes cost anywhere from $40 to $80 each when purchased without a coupon. They will allow analog televisions to receive the digital signal and convert it into an analog signal that is supported by the television. The digital signal will provide improved video and sound quality and a better reception.

The analog to digital switch just goes to show how technology is rapidly advancing. This is one of the reasons i am so interested in working in the telecommunications field. With the way things are going now with HDTV and the Internet, i can't wait to see what the future will hold in terms of broadcasting technology.