What is the digital transition in broadcasting?

The digital transition in broadcasting is a global process involving the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting signals. In practical terms, it usually involves a period when analogue and digital signals are both available (“dual illumination”) followed by the switching off of the analogue signal.

At the time of writing, the following countries have completed the transition to digital broadcasting and switched off their analogue signals: Andorra; Belgium; Croatia; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; Latvia; Luxembourg; Netherlands; Norway; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; and Switzerland. There are a further 43 countries involved in making the transition including large developed countries like France, Great Britain and the United States.

For an online glossary of terms associated with the digital transition process, the Irish Government’s Ministry of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources provides a helpful resource: http://www.digitaltelevision.ie/Glossary/