Beginning with Luxembourg in 2006, followed then by ten other European countries, the advent of government mandated digital tv began. The United States decision to transition came soon after. The U. S. Required all television stations to move from analog to digital transmission effective June, 2006. 2011 will mark Asia’s entry into the digital tv era with Japan coming on board.
The U. S. Congress’ decision to mandate the switchover from analog to all-digital television was based primarily on two factors. First, the government’s desire to free up precious broadcast bandwidth for those organizations concerned with public safety such as police and fire departments, and second, to provide viewers a better picture and sound experience. One other consequence of freed-up bandwidth is that some of it can be auctioned off by the government to companies which provide advanced wireless services.
As part of this mandate, Congress stipulated that starting March 1, 2007 all television receivers imported into the United States or manufactured in the U. S. Must have a digital tuner. Additionally, retailers selling analog-only receivers were required to inform consumers in a prominent fashion that the television being sold would require a digital converter box. To assist viewers who only had an analog set, the government made available coupons which could be exchanged for a converter boxes valued up to forty dollars.
A television’s resolution, or quality of image, is defined by its detail and clarity. It is based on the number of pixels displayed. Pixels are dots on the screen arranged along the horizontal and vertical. The more pixels arranged on the screen the better the resolution of the image. In an analog environment the maximum array of pixels is typically around 500 by 400. A digitally created image is comprised of up to ten times the number of pixels.
Digital tv’s multicasting capability defeats the restriction of one channel per slice of bandwidth. Prior to digital transmission, television stations could only allocate one channel, or program, to a piece of bandwidth. Now with multicasting, a television station can take that same piece of bandwidth and divide it into multiple channels therby offering its viewership more program offerings.
Interactive programming is another advantage of digital television. People subscribing to cable or satellite services will discover enhanced functionality. Example include movies-on-demand, text-messaging via the television’s remote to live television shows, and VCR-type choices such as pause, slow motion and fast forward.
Today, consumers have four options when considering televisions. Analog TV’s can still be used but require a converter box. A digital-ready set comes with its own converter but will usually lack in picture resolution. An HD-ready set may or may not include a converter which will generally offer good resolution. The most expensive option is the HDTV which will include a digital tuner and will have high resolution. Selecting which type of TV to go with is a matter of budget or other preferences.
With digital television viewers can realize new highs in picture quality and enhanced functionality. The developments of today represent only the beginning. As manufacturers seek out new technologies and competitive edges, the consumer can reasonably expect an even more compelling viewing experience.
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