Many countries are now switching from analog TV systems into the digital TV. There are obviously a lot of advantages like more channels for the same space occupied by one analog signal as well as multicasting which allows multiple broadcasting of digital channels in a single analog space. However, this is a new technology and it is not surprising that there are disadvantages to using it. Consumers complained about technical problems with their analog TVs if they cannot afford to upgrade to the digital TVs.

1. The antennas need to be upgraded so it can receive the stronger digital signals. If there is no upgrade there may be a need to get an antenna booster to amplify the signal or to make realignment adjustments so the digital signals can get the signal better.

2. If the antenna has no signal meter, the alignment of the TV antenna may be more difficult. This is because the digital signals have less feedback compared to the analog signal.

3. Then there are the long distance problems. The digital TV signal has a tendency to drop out and stop if it reaches a particularly low level. Analog TV signals usually just degrade but can be still watchable, although a bit grainy. With the digital, there is no gradual degradation only a total blank out.

4. Old TVs usually cannot receive the higher signals of the digital TV so there may be a need to get a set-top digital box on top of a new TV set.

5. When changing channels, the speed of the changing can be slower in digital TV compared to the analog TV because it takes time for the receiver to decode the digital signal. However, this has already been corrected by the newer models of digital TVs. Newer models now allow faster channel change.

Knowing that there are disadvantages should not stop the consumers to take advantage of the new technology and there is really no choice for the broadcasting networks have shifted and are continuing to shift. The fact that the digital TV has allowed more room in telecommunications is one of the key factors which made the shift from analog to digital possible.