Number: RL31260
Title: Digital Television: An Overview
Authors: Lennard G. Kruger, Resources, Science and Industry Division 
Abstract: A key issue in the Congressional debate over the digital transition continues to be addressing the millions of American over-the-air households whose existing analog televisions will require converter boxes in order to receive digital signals when the analog signal is turned off. P.L. 109-171 established a digital-to-analog converter box program - administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the Department of Commerce - that will partially subsidize consumer purchases of converter boxes. Specifically, Congress is actively overseeing the activities of federal agencies responsible for the digital transition - the FCC and the NTIA - while assessing whether additional federal efforts are necessary, particularly with respect to public education and outreach.
Pages: 50
Date: January 11, 2008