Analog Televsion Retired Today

Analog television woke up for the last time this morning and at noon it was retired.

Digital television, which has been broadcast by every station in my area for years - and the local PBS affiliate for a decade - is now the sole broadcasting format in the United States.

This new digital format for TV, known as ATSC as opposed to the old analog format referred to as NTSC - is far better for viewing. The image can be larger and much more detailed than was possible before.

Also, digital television uses a widescreen format that is similar to that used by movies in theaters. It is a much nicer viewing experience.