Central Michigan University

• Expert: Digital TV transition more than just a better picture

Topics in this story: College of Communication and Fine Arts, Communication and the media, News tips and sources, School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts

Most Americans do not understand why the federal government mandated the transition from analog to digital television, forcing consumers to purchase a new expensive television or a converter box, and many question if a better television picture is really needed. Central Michigan University School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts faculty member Heather Polinsky notes that the average consumer does not understand all of the benefits of digital television because they have not happened yet. "A better picture is not really why the shift from analog to digital was imposed on Americans," she said. Polinsky is available to discuss the digital TV transition.

A few of Polinsky's initial thoughts on the subject:

• "The central reason why the television system was changed from an analog system to a digital system was the inefficiencies of the analog television system. Television takes up an enormous amount of the electromagnetic spectrum and the majority of the spectrum allocated to television is unused because not enough television stations were built to use it. This spectrum could be used for other wireless communication. So, part of this transition was to move television to a smaller band of spectrum and sell off the unused spectrum to wireless companies. These wireless companies will use this spectrum to produce new mobile and wireless communication technologies; things we have not yet seen."
• "Another problem with analog television transmission is that it takes 6 MHz of spectrum to transmit one full analog television picture, yet a much better quality picture can be transmitted in less than 6 MHz. Television stations can transmit multiple digital television signals, which means one television station can transmit more than one television program at a time to audiences. Television stations must use their allocated 6 MHz signal for at least one stream of television programming, but have been allowed to use the remaining spectrum for other types of services that have not yet been conceived. Some television stations have played around with data services, but no one has launched a full-fledged non-television service to consumers as of yet. However, it is possible that television stations will do more than just television with this new digital television system."

Polinsky is an expert on audio recording technology and the convergence of computers and broadcasting. She assists with WMHW-FM, the student radio station, and teaches basic and advanced audio courses. Polinsky's research interests include media economics, media policy and new media technologies.

Contact: Heather Smith, 989-774-1702, heather.smith@cmich.edu