by 
The Curious Bag
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Digital terrestrial television uses over-the-air broadcasts to a conventional antenna; the signal is converted by a converter box. In the United States, television broadcasters stopped broadcasting analog signals in June of 2009.
Digital Converter Box
This digital transition does not mean that broadcasters will not broadcast for free anymore. It just means you need a converter box to receive the signal or you need to pay for a cable or satellite service.
Government Coupon
The government is giving two coupons for each household to buy a converter box. Each coupon is worth $40.00. These coupons can still be redeemed, but no newer ones are being issued as of December 2009.
Broadcast Spectrum
Digital broadcasts take up less space on the broadcast spectrum. By changing to digital broadcasts, the government was able to give the space saved by the transition to other services that use this spectrum, such as telephone companies.
Government Raising Money
This transition to digital will bring some $50 billion to the U.S. government through the auction of the extra spectrum space gained by going digital.
Clear Picture
Digital broadcast brings new technologies and a clearer picture which were not available with the analog broadcast. Interactive video capabilities and wireless data services are two new technologies that come with the transition.
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