Why are we going to digital?

As you probably have heard, American television is undergoing its biggest change since regular over-the-air broadcasts began more than 60 years ago. By June12, most TV stations will have discontinued the analog broadcasts we've watched for decades, joining those that have already gone to all-digital broadcasts. At that point, every full-power station in the country will transmit only digital TV (DTV) signals.

There are many good reasons for moving to digital. DTV will enhance day-to-day TV viewing, with more free channels to better picture and sound quality. The transition to digital broadcasts also frees up space on the airwaves, enabling better public-safety communications, improved emergency response, and faster wireless Internet services.

You might have to take some action. To enjoy this new, improved viewing, you must either have a newer TV set or a convertor box that enables your older TV to receive digital signals from an antenna. It may take a little effort to get the right setup initially, with occasional updates to get all the available channels. Any TV connected to a for-pay service from a cable, satellite, or phone company should continue to work as it does now.

This section is designed to help simply the process of upgrading to digital TV. First of all determine if you are already "DTV-ready" and don't need to do anything more to enjoy digital TV's advantages.Click here to see if you are ready. If you aren't ready there is information to evaluate your options: either buying a new television set or buying a converter box that will work with your current TV. You will also find information to help get the best reception from your existing antenna; if your antenna won't work, there is information to step you through the process of buying a new one. Finally there are tips that can help nearly everyone get the most out of DTV.

Click here to download 5 simple steps to upgrade to digital television.