The transition from analog to digital television (DTV) represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. Digital television (DTV) enables television stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality. By transmitting the information used to make a TV picture and sound as "data bits" like a computer, television stations can also carry more information using digital broadcasting than is currently possible with analog broadcast technology. For example, DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast multiple channels of free programming simultaneously through "multicasting," instead of broadcasting only one channel at a time. Digital technology also enables television stations to provide free, over-the-air high-definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HD television sets. DTV technology can also be used for interactive video and data services, such as enhanced closed-captioning, that are not possible with traditional analog technology. An equally important, but often overlooked benefit of DTV is that it will free up scarce and variable spectrum for public safety and new wireless services. This is possible because the modern technology of DTV is more efficient than analog television technology, allowing for many new and critical uses of this very limited resource.

The Digital TV Transition
On June 12, 2009, all full-powered television stations began broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. For consumers, this means the possibility of a clearer picture and more programming options. Digital TV will also free up portions of the television airwaves, known as spectrum, which will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication.
Consumers with analog TV's can:
1) buy a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV,
2) buy a TV with a digital tuner or
3) connect their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

TV viewers who want to continue using "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna for over-the-air TV must buy a digital-to-analog converter box to enable their analog TV sets to work after the transition date.