Digital+Conversion

On February 17, 2009, broadcast television will undergo a major change as all stations switch to digital transmission and abandon the analog signal that has sent television signals to American homes, schools, and businesses since the 1930s. Not since the introduction of color television in 1953 has there been such a significant change in the technology that sends commercial and public television signals all over the country. With this new technology, the broadcasting industry can free up valuable airwave space to provide exciting new options for television viewers, the most anticipated of which is high-definition television (HDTV). A 2008 i** nformation brief (VDOE, 2008) addresses additional implications for school divisions regarding digital conversion. The information brief can be viewed at __http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/info_brief_digital_conversion.pdf__. **