USA switches over to 100% digital TV

Much-delayed transition occurs

12 June 2009 15:44 GMT / By Duncan Geere

June 12 2009 is the day when, mandated by law, all analogue broadcasts of television cease in the United States. The digital transition has been delayed several times, most recently by Obama in February, but it's finally ocurring.

Sources report that over 2.8 million homes (2.5% of the TV market) haven't got the equipment required to receive the new broadcasts, despite a coupon program and subsidies for manufacturers. Ethnic minorities lead the list of groups that haven't transferred.

In the UK, we're doing things more gradually. The first analogue transmitter to turn off was Whitehaven in Cumbria which became the first place to switch in October 2007. Since then, transmitters at Selkirk, Fawley, Beacon Hill, and Stockland Hill have shut down.

The next to go will be Douglas on the Isle of Man, Caldbeck and Huntshaw Cross. Other parts of the country will progressively turn off until 2012, when the last British analogue broadcasts will cease.

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