Transition To Digital Television

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires all full-power TV stations in the U.S. to cease analog broadcasting by Feb. 17, 2009, known as the digital television (DTV) transition. Prior to this date, the TV broadcast industry must take a series of actions to ensure that over-the-air programming will continue to be available once the transition is complete. For ex., broadcast stations must obtain, install, and test the necessary equipment needed to finalize their digital facilities. This report examines: (1) the status of broadcast stations in transitioning to digital; (2) the extent to which broadcast stations are encountering issues; and (3) the actions the FCC has taken to guide broadcasters in the digital transition. Charts and tables.