What’s all this talk about television going digital?
At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting.

Is digital TV better?
Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options, and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Will this transition affect me?
If you have an analog-only television that doesn't receive cable/satellite/pay TV service, you will need a digital converter box*. Otherwise, you'll have to buy a digital TV.

Any TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box.

(*Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.)

If I shop for a new TV, how can I be sure that I am buying digital?
By law, beginning March 1, 2007, all television reception devices (including TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc.) imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce must contain a digital tuner. Retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory, but must prominently display on or near the analog-only device a Consumer Alert label stating the device is analog-only.

OK, so tell me again, what are my options?

• Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after Feb. 17, 2009
• OR connect to cable, satellite or other pay service
• OR purchase a television with a digital tuner.