From Analog to Digital Television; Strategies to Promote Rapid Adaptation and Awareness

Europe is currently transitioning to digital terrestrial television and is aimed to replace all analog infrastructures by 2012. Besides replacing all broadcasting networks in Europe, the transition requires updating household televisions and antennas. As with any major change, public administrations must keep citizens informed and provide support, especially when dealing with a communication medium expected to support a new portfolio of services and information. State-of-the-art technologies enable universal coverage in locations where television services are currently unavailable. This paper evaluates the transition to digital television in several European regions and analyzes novel approaches and solutions to achieving universal access to digital television and citizen awarenes.