Digital technology uses bandwidth more efficiently and effectively than the current analog system, allowing for a greater and more flexible use of the airwaves. In order to regain broadcasting spectrum and generate revenue by selling it through auctions, the Federal Communications Commission has mandated that all commercial television stations send signals in digital format by the year 2002. Public television stations around the country also must make this change by the following year. Television stations in major markets such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York are already broadcasting selected programs in digital format. In Wisconsin, Milwaukee Public Television and a commercial station in Madison are broadcasting limited programming in digital format.
Digital television uses the same technology that makes computers and CD-players work.
That means that pictures are sharper and more detailed and sound is clearer. But better television isn't all that digital broadcasts offer. Use the extra bandwidth to broadcast multiple programs on the same amount of broadcast bandwidth. This is called multicasting and current technology allows for four programs to be broadcast on the same bandwidth as one current analog broadcast. Use the extra bandwidth to broadcast data and programs simultaneously.