[scooter2]

Does anyone know why the government has edicted to elimination of analog TV boadcsting and institued digital only broadcasts? Seems like they would not do this unless there was something sinister in their motives.

[Hilda]

So the GOP decided to use a filibuster making sure a bunch of voters wake up with no television in the near future? And the Demo’rats can blame the Republicans? Am I reading that right? Why?

[mnehring]

Does anyone know why the government has edicted to elimination of analog TV boadcsting and institued digital only broadcasts? Seems like they would not do this unless there was something sinister in their motives.

Nothing sinister, it is reallocation of bandwidth. The DTV bandwith allows for better TV signals with more data for those, while the existing bandwidth that analog is running on is actually more ideal for communication, specifically a unified emergency communication network. It also opens up that bandwidth for other telecom carriers to offer more advanced services.

[Sacajaweau]

I have the feeling we will be subjected to Obama monologues on a regular basis...All stations will have to "obey" and carry it. Sounds a little Hitlerish to me. We are no longer individuals. We are "the masses".

Also believe we can all be spied on via the digital....whether the TV is turned on or off or even unplugged.

P.S. IMHO

[LibLieSlayer]

They are going to auction off the old spectrum for major bucks to the highest bidders.

LLS

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

The frequencies used for transmission of analog TV signals are being sold for use by emergency services among others. TV stations really only need to use digital, thus the changeover.

Nothing sinister about it.

[BlueNgold]

Band width!

Going digital opens up a wide and useful array of frequencies to alternate uses. The VHF and UHF bands set aside for television can be split many more ways with modern technology than they could when these frequencies were assigned.

Everything from local area cellular and broadband coverage to expanded frequency allocation for emergency services (which are now forced into a trunked system in most major metropolitan areas) are expected future uses of the frequencies once the bands are opened.