The switch to digital TV promises several benefits:

Viewers should notice improvements in picture and sound quality, particularly in the case of high-definition (HDTV) broadcasts. (To get the full effect, you’ll need a high-definition set, and the broadcaster and, if applicable, cable or satellite provider must provide a high-definition signal.)...

“DTV” is a general reference to Digital Television, as compared to “analog” Television. DTV broadcasts can be either HDTV (high-definition television) or SDTV (standard-definition television). HDTV can broadcast at resolutions typically as high as 1920 by 1080 pixels (2 million pixels), whereas the resolutions of SDTV broadcasts are typically only as high as 640 by 480 pixels (290,000 pixels).

In comparison, analog television produces a total of about 210,000 pixels. Broadcasters and cable providers can choose which format of DTV they transmit, and most DTV's and new HDTV set-top boxes will be able to receive the signal regardless of which format is transmitted. Note, however, that your standard analog TV set will not be able to receive DTV signals (neither HDTVnor SDTV). ...

Digital TVs have labels as “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” or “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV” (High Definition television). If your television equipment contains any of these labels or markings and it contains a digital tuner, you can view over-the-air digital programming without the need for a digital-to-analog converter box.

The only televisions that have DTV turners are those that since about 1998, have been sold as having an integrated or “built-in” DTV or HDTV broadcast turner. (An HD set sold as a “monitor” or “HD-ready” is capable of displaying HDTV but does not have a built-in HDTV turner) Most TVs with analog turners are now required by the FCC to also be marketed with built-in or separate DTV or HDTV turners – this will soon be a requirement for all TVs....

The digital television transition (also called the digital switchover or analogue switch off) is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting of free television programming. The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced.

Countries that are already switched-off to digital television are:...