In 2015, the Dominican Republic announced plans to transition from analog to digital television, which requires television stations to purchase new broadcasting equipment and viewers to obtain a digital TV or top box converter. As the DR prepared for the transition, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency hosted a visit to the United States for officials from the Dominican Telecommunication Institute (Indotel) and representatives of the country’s top public and private television broadcasters to view U.S. technologies and learn best practices. 

With stops in Washington, D.C., Miami and Las Vegas, the delegates observed cutting-edge U.S. solutions and learned about the United States’ own recent transition from analog to digital. 

Delegates also toured a television studio and discussed with staff their transition from analog to digital several years earlier.  

The delegation attended the National Association of Broadcasters Electronic Media Show in Las Vegas.  

Following the visit, the delegates shared that the visit greatly helped them by providing critical information and important perspectives in achieving their technological goal. 

As a result of the visit, one company in Miami gained new business, selling measurement equipment, monitors, cameras, and digital recorders to members of the delegation. In addition, the Dominican Republic ended up extending its deadline for the transition to 2021, which may result in additional U.S. exports.