Digital television transition

World map of digital television transition progress:
     Transition done; all analog signals turned off
     Transition almost done; most analog signals turned off
     Transition happening; broadcasting both analog and digital signals
     Transition has not been planned or started, or is in early stages
     No digital switchover planned, broadcasting both analog and digital signals

The digital television transition (also called the digital switchover (DSO), the analog switch-off (ASO), the digital migration, or the analog shutdown) is when analog television signals are turned off so digital terrestrial television (DTT) can be used instead. This is done because it gives a better picture quality for viewers, lets more channels be broadcast in one area, and is cheaper to run. In some places, digital cable, satellite, or internet protocol television replaced analog television instead of DTT.

This started happening in around 2000 when DTT began being used in many countries. It takes a long time to do, because older television sets could not receive DTT signals, and needed either a new television or a set-top box. During this time, broadcasters keep an analog signal broadcasting until enough people have switched to digital. Berlin was the first city to turn off all analog TV signals on 3 August 2003. Luxembourg was the first country to do this completely in September 2006.

Digital Television Transition Media

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  Analog closedown warning broadcast in Finland

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  Analog closedown warning broadcast in Spain

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  Analog closedown warning broadcast in Indonesia

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  Analog closedown warning broadcast in Japan

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  Analog closedown warning broadcast in Brazil.