Feds: No more analog TV by 2009 [View All]

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000487387

WASHINGTON -- Federal television regulators are circulating a plan that would turn off the analog TV signal the nation has used since electronic TV was first broadcast in the late 1930s before the end of the 21st century's inaugural decade.

Under the plan, broadcasters would be required by 2009 to return the analog frequencies they use and switch to digital television because the FCC will have certified that at least 85% of the nation's television audience is receiving digital TV signals, commission officials said Wednesday. Broadcasters are supposed to give back the analog frequencies at the end of 2006 or when the audience capable of receiving a digital TV signal reaches 85%, whichever comes first.