What will digital TV transition mean for you?

All broadcast TV stations will stop broadcasting the analog format on Feb. 17, 2009. Currently, stations are broadcasting in analog and digital. But after that date, only digital will be used. So, will you need a new TV? This will mainly affect people who get watch TV over the air from a rooftop or rabbit-ear antenna. Here are some scenarios:

If you have cable or satellite service, you will most likely not need to do anything. Your cable or satellite company will receive the digital signal and send it to you over the cable lines or through the satellite signal.

If you get broadcast TV only, check to see if your TV can receive a digital signal. If so, you're set. If not:

You can buy a converter box that will work with your analog TV. The federal government will give each household up to two coupons to pay for these boxes.
You can buy a new TV that receives digital signals.

See the federal government's Web site on the digital TV transition, including how to apply for the converter box coupons.