EXACTLY WHY do all TVs HAVE TO go digital by 2009?

Question

I keep hearing the commercials that if you're already hooked up to cable you'll still work. However, I do know a couple of people who live in an area where they get excellent reception without cable. I am aware the the government is giving away vouchers to make this switch.....BUT WHY do they insist it's NECESSARY to start with?

Answer 1

Because big business companies are going to make lots of money.    I get lousy digital reception, and I live close to downtown Chicago.

Answer 2

Switching to digital allows station to multi-cast different programs at once, as well as provide over-the-air HD broadcast and digital quality picture. Digital broadcast will narrow the spectrum of frequencies being broadcast opening them up for emergency broadcasting as well as the for the government to auction to the highest bidder. Some will tell you this is a ridiculous scheme for the gov't to make money. I say it's better they get their money in the market place then from my paycheck.

Also, most stations are already broadcasting in digital because the quality is so much better. It is too expensive to continue to broadcast both. The marketplace is forcing the issue more than the government is. But they're working together to make the transition smoother and to help out people with older television sets so they don't lose their free TV.

To Eric: I too live in Chicago (Lakeview) and get lousy digital reception. I can only get ABC in digital/HD (7.1, 7.2, 7.3). Oh, and 50.1; I think it's the infomercial network.

Answer 3

Because big brother is coming.....

Answer 4

The idea is that current broadcast TV transmits on a very broad signal spectrum. By going digital they will narrow the spectrum allowing new channels to be added in the freed up spaces. This will allow for more broadcast stations, public access channels, and emergency broadcasting.

Answer 5

Everybody is probably right, but my first thought was what the first answer said about Big Brother.  I'm thinking this is yet another way for the government to spy on us, and know who lives where.  It's to the point of ridiculous.

Answer 6

they claimed that it was to free up bandwidth for emergency communication, but it looks like they will auction off most of it to the highest bidder

Answer 7

I think its for money and spying too, cable and digital work good now and my sister gets tv off an antenna up in the mountains