How to Prepare for TV's Analog-to-Digital Conversion

On February 17, 2009, television as we know it will become a thing of the past. By that date, all stations in the country will switch over to digital television and will no longer broadcast on their analog channels. If you are among the almost 20 million people who have old TVs, and you don't subscribe to cable or have a dish, read on. Here's why it might make a difference to you and what you can do about it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Why is this happening? After the switch, there will be more room for wireless broadband and other services. A portion will be made available for first responders like firefighters and police officers, people who keep us safe.
2. Buy a new television set and you will see that digital picture quality is nothing short of amazing. The color is more saturated, the picture is clearer, many sets are less than three inches thick, and their screens can be up to three times bigger than your largest old television.
3. If you choose to hang on to your analog television set and it is hooked up to a roof antenna or has ‘rabbit ears”, you will need to buy a set-top converter box. They are available in most stores that sell electronic equipment, and they cost about $40.
4. The federal government has set aside $1 billion to help people make this transition. It offers a program that will provide up to two $40 coupons that can be redeemed for those converter boxes. You must request your coupons between January 1, 2008 and March 31st, 2009, by calling (888) DTV-2009, by fax or by going to www.ntia.doc.gov.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a digital television, there is no more for you to do. Or if you have had your television set for several years and you are on cable or dish, your provider will supply you with whatever you need to continue receiving their signal. And you will enjoy a slight improvement in picture quality, even on your analog set.