by Philo Farnsworth

Created on: January 22, 2009

On a technical level, digital television is far superior to analog. The digital transition is good for developing technologies. It will make more programing available for those that have off-air antennas. It will add money to our government coffers. And it will free up needed frequencies so a national emergency channel can be established. Free digital TV offers the consumer more of everything. Local broadcast stations can now even multicast. Multicasting is when a local station offers more than one over-the-air channel. They can have five or six channels in the same space they could only offer one analog channel. Even free high definition television is available in many markets.

The US government has spent more than a billion dollars to facilitate the analog to digital television transition. It's has also been advertising for more than three years to inform and educate consumers. Additionally, private industry has also spent hundreds of million of dollars to upgrade their equipment and inform consumers. I find it astounding that after years of incessant advertisement, some consumers have taken no action and express little understanding of the issue. The government and industry have bent over backwards to explain that analog television is an old and dying technology.

So why is there a debate? Simply put, some consumers are afraid of new technology or simply don't wish to spend anything to upgrade. In our world, technology marches on. We don't use eight track players anymore, floppy discs are gone and now it is time to upgrade television too.

Complaints about cost are not valid. Television is not an inalienable right, nor even a necessity. If you want it, then you must pay the cost. I checked with my local cable company (Comcast). In my area, their "limited basic" package is $11.90USD per month and includes twenty three channels. Plus they offer free installation for new customers. Also, the Dish Network has been advertising basic digital TV for around $20USD per month. Granted, it might not free, but it is very reasonably priced. The other option for consumers is to make a one time modest investment for a digital converter. The converter would be virtually free with a government funded coupon.

When consumers wanted free analog television, they still had to purchase the equipment to watch it. It's no different now. If consumers want to keep getting free TV, they must make an investment in equipment to get more and better free TV.

The government is doing something right. Luddites will just have to come along or lose out. You can always listen to the radio...oh no...wait, that's going digital too.

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