Digital Television Transition

General Background

The Digital Television (DTV) transition is the switch from traditional analog TV to digital TV. This transition represents the most significant advancement in television technology since color TV was introduced. DTV will allow broadcasters to deliver movie quality picture and sound. It also provides more programming options for viewers because broadcasters will be able to "multicast" or air up to six different channels over one signal, such as an 'all weather' or 'all traffic' channel.

On June 12, 2009, all TV stations will cease broadcasting their analog signals and traditional analog TVs will stop working unless they are connected to a converter, cable or satellite. About 20 million households currently rely on free over-the-air analog TV. About 40% of those households contain at least one person who is age 50 or older.

In general, seniors will constitute the greatest portion of those affected by the digital transition - particularly, low-income, fixed-income, disabled, homebound, minority and/or rural seniors. Households left behind will lose access to free TV, including access to essential information in the event of an emergency.