What Can You Watch in Digital?
Of course, one of the big questions concerning DTV is what programming is available—or will be available. After all, why purchase a digital TV if there’s nothing much to watch?
The good news is, come February 2009, nearly every program on every channel will be broadcast in crystal-clear digital format. That’s right, after February 17, all full-power television stations are required by law to broadcast all their programming in digital (and, of course, to cease analog transmissions). So when the digital TV transition occurs, any program you might want to watch will be digital.
Before the transition date, stations are encouraged but not necessarily required to begin digital transmission. In reality, most larger television stations in most major cities are already broadcasting a full slate of digital programming. So, for example, if you live in a city such as Chicago or Minneapolis or even Des Moines, you should be able to receive digital signals from all the local stations affiliated with the major broadcast networks.
Therefore, all your favorite programs, from CSI to Lost to American Idol, should be able to be received by any TV that has a built-in digital tuner. Just switch to the digital channel number (as specified by the local station) and you should be able to tune in all major programs.
So, there are already plenty of programs to watch in digital—with lots more coming by February!