Digital Date of 2009 Signed Into Law

[Gregg Lengling]

The 2009 date for ending the digital TV transition is now enshrined in law, with a signature from President Bush capping years of wrangling on Capitol Hill.

The presidential approval came Wednesday afternoon, as Bush signed into law a large deficit reduction act that includes the digital TV provision.

The legislation links TV and the budget because the government expects to gain $10 billion or more from auctioning spectrum that broadcasters will relinquish once they stop sending analog signals.

After Feb. 17, 2009 all TV broadcasts are to be in digital, a format that promises higher picture definition, more programming streams and efficient use of scarce spectrum.

Challenges remain, since roughly one in five households relies on over-the-air reception and would need new digital equipment to keep watching TV. The cable and satellite customers who comprise the majority of TV viewers should experience little disruption as system operators translate signals for their traditional analog equipment.

[bradsmainsite]

Can anyone tell me for absolutely sure what these new channels will be
ch. 7-51  or just 14-51 or what and what is your source for this info. :confused:

Thanks

[Gregg Lengling]

Can anyone tell me for absolutely sure what these new channels will be
ch. 7-51  or just 14-51 or what and what is your source for this info. :confused:

Thanks

The available channels are 2 thru 51, however you have to go the FCC site to see what channels the local stations have elected to use.  You will find very few VHF channels elected (channels 2 thru 13).  Most will be 14 thru 51.