U.S. Completes Historic Transition to DTV

On June 11, the United States completed its technological transition from analog to digital television. On June 12, all full-power television stations in the United States are required to stop analog TV broadcast service and transmit only digital signals.


The digital TV (DTV) transition, which was first proposed and mapped out two decades ago, clears valuable airwaves for new advanced wireless services, including first-responder radio.


Earlier this week, the Nielsen Company reported that 2.8 million U.S. households, or 2.5% of the television market, are completely unready for the transition. That represents about a 50%
improvement in readiness levels since the decision was made in February to delay the DTV transition.


"In any change this big, there are going to be disruptions," said FCC Acting Chairman Michael J. Copps. "We are trying our best to provide people, especially those who are most at risk,
with the help they need to make the switch as smoothly as possible. And we're going to keep offering it after June 12, so people should call us at 1-888-CALL-FCC."http://www.fcc.gov