Switch to Digital TV a Success

The switchover to digital TV, or DTV, on Friday, went smoothly, the Federal Communications Commission reported.

According to USA Today, at the time of the switch, more than 900 full-power TV stations shut down their analog signals. They will now broadcast digital signals exclusively, which provide better pictures and audio. Consumers can now expect to get more free programming over time because the shift also frees up airwave capacity.

The change to digital only affected consumers who do not subscribe to satellite or cable services. These TV watchers were forced to install a converter box or upgrade to a digital television set. Staff members at the FCC have been manning the main digital TV hotline around the clock to help viewers adjust, the Washington Post reports.

Almost 30 percent of the calls to the FCC hotline related to the operation of digital converter boxes while more than 20 percent were concerned with reception issues.

According to Radio Business Report, the switch to digital broadcasting marked the biggest technical paradigm change in U.S. history. For those left behind, in addition to the hotline that is continuing to take calls, a number of stations are continuing to broadcast in analog, directing consumers to help.