During the transition broadcasters will operate both analog and digital channels. After the transfer is complete, the broadcaster will have to give up their analog station. Digital television licenses will be available after for new entities after the transition is complete. Until old televisions are obsolete, consumers can view DTV broadcasts with a special converter. This way, consumers do not have to go out right away and purchase an expensive new digital television.
Consumers can ease their way into the digital convergence.
Digital television benefits the public because of its improved quality, and quantity of free television service. DTV offers so many different options than analog television ever has offered. One benefit of digital television is that it will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum and allow its return to the government for other important uses. Part of the spectrum is designated for public safety, police, and fire usage. There are numerous proposals that need to be resolved to keep the transition going forward.