Digital TV Transition (broadcast Friday, May 9th, 2008)

The humble rooftop television antenna could find new life in the digital TV era. Gary Miller/ US EPA

In February of next year, all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop over-the-air analog transmissions, and begin broadcasting only in digital. If you receive your television signals via cable or satellite, you won't be affected. If you rely on over-the-air signals captured by an antenna, however, you may need to adjust your sets. Older televisions, especially those produced before March of 2007, may not be able to decode the digital signals. The government is offering vouchers good for $40 towards the purchase of a converter box to retrofit those older sets and prepare them for the switchover. In this segment, Ira and guests talk about why the transition is happening, and what viewers like you might need to do. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.