The most noticeable advantage of digital television over analog television is the picture. The first time you watch your favorite channel in digital presentation, you might be bowled over by the difference. The switch to digital takes care of a common visual failing in analog broadcasts, known as ghosting. This refers to when two images are broadcast super-imposed on each other, with one slightly offset from the other. This gives a blurry, ghost-like appearance. Ghosting resulted due to mismatched impedance on the communication channel or distortion caused by varying lengths in the paths of radio frequency waves.Ghosting isn’t the only problem that disappears with digital television. Other problems caused by interference, especially noise-related issues from weak signals, are not present with digital channels. Plus, while it’s still preferable to have a good digital signal, the variation between strong and weak digital signals is much less noticeable. This means that even viewers in areas that suffered interference on certain analog channels may be able to see these channels without problems.Another strength of digital transmission is the amount of channels that can be fit on the same spectrum. Digital television uses multiplex transmitters, which can receive multiple channels on the same frequency range. This has opened up the broadcast spectrum to many more channelsyou can get a sense of just how many by looking at the more advanced packages of cable or satellite television companies. More channels means more ways of looking at and understanding the world around you.Plus, with digital television, you can do more with those channels. “Interactive TV” is still in its infancy, and broadcasters and viewers alike are still trying to figure out what it means. However, digital television offers the chance for viewers to become more integrated than ever before in their TV-watching experience. In some countries (including America), interactive TV services are available through a “red button” on the remote of some set-top devices.For many people, the advantages of digital television outweigh the costs, which may include the purchase of new equipment and a longer delay when switching channels. Due to the ceasing of all full-power American analog broadcasting on June 12, 2009, however, the question of whether to switch to digital television is now moot. You do have the option of which provider to choose, though, and it’s up to you to find out which company will work best for you. Take the time to visit the websites of the providers in your area and learn about their advantages and disadvantages, just as you would have done in the past when choosing between digital and analog television. The digital transition has not taken away America’s viewing possibilities, but has only made them more important.