Adios Analog

The time has finally come. On Friday, June 12th, 2009 we witnessed history in the making. On this day, a federal law required all television broadcast stations to officially make the switch from the analog format to the digital format. The conversion is taking place for a number of reasons. Some of these motives include; the fact that digital is a more efficient transmission technology, opportunity for improved pictures and sound quality, increased options in programming, and the freeing up of many frequencies to be used in more efficient ways.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and the Government are working hand-in-hand to ensure that everyone is aware of the conversion, and knows how to handle it. Numerous information sites have been created in order to ease the transition for all consumers.

The originial date for the analog to digital conversion was set for February 17 or 18, 2009. However, the House of Representatives voted and President Obama signed the bill to postpone to switch on the basis that millions of consumers were unprepared. Prepared or not, the switch took place on Friday and we saying Adios to Analog!

To read more information about the switch and other news from the Federal Communications Commission, please visit their website! http://www.fcc.gov/

Contributed by Carrie Friedrich