The Explainer
Canada will convert August 31, 2011
Today throughout the United States there is taking place a massive conversion to digital from analog TV
Carl Hall, True North Perspective's Technical Analyst and Web Editor, tells us what the change means to the average viewer
By Carl Hall
Technical Analyst and Web Editor
True North Perspective
Today, Friday, June 12, 2009, all over the air analog TV stations in the United States shut down converting to a 100% digital signal. What does this mean to the average person? How does it affect the way we watch TV? What are the advantages? Disadvantages? Costs?
Well, lets first explore the major benefits of ATSC (digital TV signal) vs. NTSC (analog signal).
- Analog TV can only carry one station, while digital TV can carry multiple stations in the same frequency range.
- Digital TV offers a much better picture and sound quality than traditional analog
- Digital tv signals have the ability to carry additional data to the TV set, such as but not limited to: news headlines, flight information, and weather data
- Digital signals can also carry interactive content, such as voting for your favorite American or Canadian Idol.
Next, the disadvantages.
- You need to upgrade to an ATSC tuner to receive (most modern HDTV's include this)
- Digital signals can not travel as far as analog
- Many people may be left without TV if adequate information is not provided as to what you need to do to receive the signal.
What are the costs?
- The major costs involved include upgrades to the station transmitters and/or possible new transmitters
- as a consumer you need to make sure your TV can handle the new digital signal.
What does this mean to the average person?
If you have a cable or satellite service to get TV now, you don't need to do anything to prepare
If you still receive using an antenna, all you need is a new digital converter box to receive the new signal
Or, if you prefer, you could upgrade to a new HDTV with an ATSC tuner built in.
How does this change the way we watch TV?
- If you currently are watching TV on an old unit, and you upgrade to a new one, you will see a noticeable improvement over the old standard
- once more and more digital services are launched, most people will find themselves watching HD, browsing the information offered, and even taking place in interactive services offered.
Many other countries are implementing their own Digital transitions. Some of which are: Canada* (currently set to go all digital August 31 2011), United Kingdom, Japan, most of Europe, Australia, and South Korea. Other countries are actively exploring the possibilities and opportunities for their own digital systems. Some developing countries may even offer the internet through these signals once they have the infrastructure set up.
* Canada's analog cut off will apply to everywhere except the High Arctic where digital signals are still not cost effective and the best option is satellite or community based cable operators.
Once this date gets closer in Canada, True North Perspective will continue to provide information to readers on what they need to do to become ATSC ready.
12 June 2009 — Return to cover.
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