Digital television can provide sharp images that rival the movie theater experience if used in its high definition mode. DTV can also offer CD-quality sound. It can provide new uses such as multiple video programs or other services on a single television channel, including data services, and interactive capability. NTIA has played an active role in the development of digital television and public policy. NTIA's Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) developed the signal propagation models used by the FCC to establish the digital table of allocations. It also developed new techniques to measure the quality of digital video pictures on television monitors, among other devices (press release). Hundreds of digital television stations are already in operation in markets serving almost all of U.S. television households. The Administration will continue to monitor developments and encourage its successful deployment, which will result in reclaimed radio spectrum for other important services, including public safety.

Pursuant to the Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005, full power television stations will cease analog brodcasting and return their analog channels so those channels can be put to other uses. See Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Frequently Asked Questions.

• Broadcast Ownership Rules: Ex Parte Letter to the FCC from Secretary Donald L. Evans in MM Docket No.02-277, "Review of the Commission's Broadcast Ownership Rules and Other Rules Adopted Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996."