Digital is a new format for TV broadcasting
which has clearer images and better sound. A
digital television is one that can receive and
display the new format. The best way to describe
the picture quality difference between analog
(older format televisions) and digital is that
of
VCR compared to
DVD.
Why are TV stations switching to all-digital?
All-digital is a much better way of
transmitting a television signal. You no longer
have to deal with a fuzzy picture or distorted
sound. With analog broadcast, the further you
are away from the television station’s antenna,
the worse your picture will be. With digital
broadcast, you get a perfect signal or no signal
at all.
In addition, the switch to all-digital
broadcasting will free up parts of the broadcast
spectrum for public safety communications. Some
of the spectrum will be auctioned to wireless
companies for the provision of advanced
commercial wireless services (such as wireless
broadband).
The new technology also allows more options
for consumers than the outdated analog system.
Broadcasters will be able to provide a super
sharp “high definition” (HD) program or multiple
“standard definition” (SD) digital programs at
the same time. Providing several simultaneous
programs on one broadcast channel is called
multicasting. This means more choices of free
programming for viewers. Also, digital
television can provide interactive video and
data services that are not possible with analog
technology.
