Knoxville — By 2004, all commercial television stations in the United States must offer digital television signals.

According to University of Tennessee broadcasting professor Barbara Moore, big changes are in store for the industry.

“I think it’s going to be as important, if not more important, than the change from black-and-white to color,” Moore said.

The Federal Communications Commission has ordered television stations to carry both the current analog signal and the new digital signal for several years after 2004. This will allow people to use their current television sets until they wear out.

Share this story!

• 

Related Stories from Tennessee Today

1. Digital Broadcasting May Boost Local Radio Competition (October 29, 2002)
2. Economic Aspect to Broadcasting Decency Decline (February 7, 2002)
3. FCC Commissioner Visits Campus to Discuss Digital TV Switch (October 7, 2008)
4. Internet Broadcasters Hope To Avoid New Fees (July 29, 2002)
5. Digital Pig May Help Medicine and the Military (August 10, 2001)
6. Historic Smoky Mountain Photos Now in UT Digital Collection (February 3, 2010)
7. Digital Pictures Identify Agricultural Pests (June 22, 1999)
8. Ruling Does Not End Indecent Programming Controversy, UT Professor Says (July 21, 1995)