Why digital transition?

Question

Everyone has heard that all tv stations are required by law to broadcast in digital only as of February 2009. What I have been wondering is what the motives are for the transition, and why the lawmakers are spending their time focusing on issues like that. Is there any real advantage to digital only broadcasting that deserves attention from the federal government? Does it save energy? Is it cheaper than analog? I know its not about quality. Can anyone tell me why?

Answer 1

The switch to digital transmission is for the use of fire, police and rescue. It will also improve the quality of the picture and the sound.

Answer 2

They are freeing up the Channels 2 thru 13 signal band for use by emergency services. Anyone who has had any time at all in law-enforcement and fire services knows how bad it is trying to communicate on the present band widths. Its frustrating and dangerous attempting to get assistance via radio and having a non emergency station bleed over or totally take over a frequency.