Retail After the DTV Transition

On June 12, 2009, the nation underwent a monumental change years in the making as television broadcasts switched to an all-digital format. For households receiving over-the-air broadcasts, the transition allowed viewers to receive a higher quality picture and expanded channel line-up, among other benefits.

For all households, the switch to a smaller bandwidth digital signal will allow for improved public safety communications as well as more advanced high-speed wireless internet access. While most consumers were prepared for the transition, households with analog sets connected to an antenna were required to take action to ensure their televisions would continue to receive programming.

The transition clearly affected the way viewers receive programming going forward, but how did consumers respond? How did retailers and manufacturers benefit?