Digital television transition

The digital television transition (also called the digital switchover (DSO), the analog switch-off (ASO), the digital migration, or the analog shutdown) is when analog television signals are turned off so digital terrestrial television (DTT) can be used instead. This is done because it gives a better picture quality for viewers, lets more channels be broadcast in one area, and is cheaper to run. In some places, digital cable, satellite, or internet protocol television replaced analog television instead of DTT.
This started happening in around 2000 when DTT began being used in many countries. It takes a long time to do, because older television sets could not receive DTT signals, and needed either a new television or a set-top box. During this time, broadcasters keep an analog signal broadcasting until enough people have switched to digital. Berlin was the first city to turn off all analog TV signals on 3 August 2003. Luxembourg was the first country to do this completely in September 2006.