It is now official that TV will go from analog to digital broadcasts by February 17th 2009. Many TV stations already broadcast digital as well as analog signals. The difference is that on that date, the analog switch will be turned off.
Consumers that already use cable, satellite or have a TV with a digital tuner will not be affected by this change. Thus all TVs being made and shipped as of March 1st will have digital tuners (also called ASTC tuners). If you want to know whether or not you'll be affected, and you don't subscribe to cable or satellite, see if your TV has the initials DTV. If it does, then that means it has a digital tuner and you're all set.
For those who have a TV with an analog tuner only, the government will be offering coupons worth $40 or $50 to subsidize buying a converter box. Each household is entitled to two coupons for the converter boxes, making this option practically free. To get a converter box go to www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
TV operators should not take advantage of a possible confusion caused by this switch, because it won't be necessary to buy cable or satellite service to view digital TV broadcasts. As noted before, if you have a TV with a digital tuner (DTV) you are set, and if not, just get a government coupon to get yourself a converter box.
Shifting to All Digital TV
What Will Happen When Analog Ends?
Trend Themes
1. Digital TV Transition - Opportunity for businesses to offer converter boxes and related products to help consumers transition from analog to digital TV.
2. Digital Tuner Integration - Opportunity for TV manufacturers to integrate digital tuners into all new TV models to meet the demand for digital broadcasts.
3. Consumer Education - Opportunity for businesses to provide educational resources and services to help consumers navigate the digital TV transition.
Industry Implications
1. Electronics Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity to meet the demand for TVs with digital tuners and converter boxes.
2. Telecommunications - Disruptive innovation opportunity for cable and satellite companies to offer additional services and packages to support the digital TV transition.
3. Consumer Electronics Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity for retailers to market and sell converter boxes, digital tuners, and other related products to consumers.