The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires all full-power TV stations in the U.S. to cease analog broadcasting by Feb. 17, 2009, known as the digital television (DTV) transition. Prior to this date, the TV broadcast industry must take a series of actions to ensure that over-the-air programming will continue to be available once the transition is complete. For ex., broadcast stations must obtain, install, and test the necessary equipment needed to finalize their digital facilities. This report examines: (1) the status of broadcast stations in transitioning to digital; (2) the extent to which broadcast stations are encountering issues; and (3) the actions the FCC has taken to guide broadcasters in the digital transition. Charts and tables.

Details and annotates key DTV broadcast standards Covers the technical parameters that drive DTV system performance Offers clear explanations of the functions and capabilities of all major DTV components

The first comprehensive, single source reference on what engineers and managers need to know to migrate successfully from analog to digital TV systems. Well-known industry consultant Gerald Collins describes all major digital TV transmission standards and provides practical guidance on the implementation, operation, and performance of the major transmission systems in current use worldwide.