(Mobile, Ala) - June 23 -
Digital television is a big step forward.
It will change the way a signal is sent, and by the way, it's the law.
"The benefits we've been discussing is better picture, better sound, more channels, but the reason why all of this started is it was enacted in Congress," explains Megan Pollock from the Consumer Electronics Association.
"Congress basically wanted the spectrum, the radio waves that are currently used by broadcasters to go back into the government and they've now going to be using these digital radio waves, so they're using this new digital spectrum for TV. Well the old spectrum is going to public safety, first responders, better communication with firefighters and police officers. In this area, we understand how important that is. Also, a good bit of it is being auctioned off to new and exciting innovations, so wireless internet and new mobile devices so i think consumers in the long-run will see benefits there. The early-on benefits are picture and sound, long-term it's public safety and innovation."
The confusion is clearing. A survey by the Consumer Electronics Association shows drastic improvement in people's understanding of who's affected. You need to change TV's only if you have an older set and you use an antenna. If you have a newer set, or if you have cable or satellite, there's no need to change a thing.
