2 DAYS and counting to DTV transition: The New Age of Digital: Television to Face Dramatic Changes.

With the digital television transition only two days away, the Federal Communications Commission wants consumers to know that digital television (DTV) is much more than just a technical formality. The transition will usher in advanced broadcasting technology that will transform consumers’ television viewing experiences.

Digital television allows for better picture and sound quality as well as more channel and program options. The possibility of multicasting will allow broadcast stations to simultaneously offer several channels of digital programming while using the amount of spectrum required for only one analog channel. This will mean many more programming choices for consumers – imagine your favorite local meteorologist having his own channel 24/7 or that same station devoting a channel to only children’s programming.

DTV will also free spectrum for popular advanced mobile communications services such as wireless broadband. More importantly, DTV will benefit society by freeing airwaves for use by first responders. This will create more seamless communication between our firefighters, police officers and other emergency services.

“With all that digital television offers to consumers and society, it is essential that all Americans get prepared for the transition on June 12,” stressed FCC Chairman Michael Copps. “The FCC is devoting tremendous resources in these final days to ease the transition and ensure that those with analog sets have the assistance they need to reap the benefits of the digital age.”

For help, call 1-888-CALL-FCC now: The transition is only three days away. Or visit www.dtv.gov and enter your zip code or state in the upper right-hand corner of the page to find local events, assistance and information.

On June 12, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop analog broadcast service and transmit only digital signals. Consumers who do not subscribe to pay television services and have older, analog televisions will need to have digital-to-analog converter boxes attached to their televisions in order to continue receiving over-the-air television programming. They may also need to adjust or upgrade their television set-top antennas.