by JQ Adams

Created on: January 24, 2009   Last Updated: August 06, 2011

Like many facets of technology, television broadcasts are going digital. A digital television signal takes up much less space that its analog counterpart and leaves room for other services including wireless internet, cell phones, and other services.As of February 17, 2009, the federal government will be requiring all broadcast television stations to switch from an analog signal over to a digital signal. Any households still using rooftop antennas, or "rabbit ears" as they are known, will no longer be able to view television without making a change.

If you still use an antenna, there are three options you can make to ensure your reception is not interrupted:

• Purchase a digital converter box and connect it to a television set that is not digitally capable

•Purchase a new television that is equipped to handle the new digital signal

• Subscribe to a cable or satellite television service, who will automatically convert the proper signal

Depending on the age of your television, a simple converter box will be all you need to make a smooth transition. All new televisions sold in the United States as of May 25, 2007 should have a digital tuner already incorporated into the system. Otherwise, the package must clearly state it does not. Your manual will provide information about the specifics of the set you purchased and will use terms such as DTV, ATSC, HDTV, Digital Tuner, or Digital Receiver to describe the digital capabilities of your set. However, descriptions that include only the words HDTV Monitor, Digital Ready, or HDTV Ready will likely require you to purchase the converter box. Your manual will provide information about the specifics of the set you purchased and will use terms such as DTV, ATSC, HDTV, Digital Tuner, or Digital Receiver to describe the digital capabilities of your set. However, descriptions that include only the words HDTV Monitor, Digital Ready, or HDTV Ready will likely require you to purchase the converter box.

As of January 2008, the federal government made two coupons available to each household in the amount of $40 each to be used towards the purchase of a basic digital converter box. The coupons will last for only 90 after your initial request so you must use them as soon as possible. More information about the coupon program can be found here: https://www.dtv2009.gov/.

To find out more information about the transition from analog to digital, visit the FCC's website here: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html.

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