All full-power television stations in the USA stopped broadcasting analog TV signals on June 12, 2009. This means that every television must be equipped to receive digital signals in order to continue viewing. Below is information on the switch to digital television, and how you can help yourself and others.

Why is this happening now?

The transition will free up scarce and valuable airwaves for public safety and new wireless services. This is possible because the modern technology of DTV is more efficient than analog TV technology, allowing for many new and critical uses of this very limited resource.

What do I need to do?

If you subscribe to a pay-TV service (cable, satellite, or Internet TV), you don't need to do anything. Likewise, if your TV has a built-in digital tuner, you don't need to do anything. Pay-TV subscribers and people who own digital TV sets connected to an antenna are already prepared. If you watch TV on an analog set with "rabbit ears" or an outdoor antenna, there are three choices:

• Buy a new TV with a built-in digital tuner. Digital TV sets are now widely available for under $200.
• Subscribe to a pay-TV service.
• Purchase an affordable Digital TV converter box to continue to enjoy free over-the-air television.

What is a Digital TV converter box?

A Digital TV Converter Box receives over-the-air digital TV signals and converts them for analog viewing. The box is about the size of a paperback book and should fit on top of a small or medium-sized TV set. You need one converter box for each TV set that's being used to watch over-the-air broadcasts.

How do I get a converter box?

The converter boxes can be purchased for between $50 to $70 at thousands of stores throughout the country. Each household can get up to two $40 coupons from the federal government to offset the cost of converter boxes. To apply for a coupon, go to http://www.dtv2009.gov/ or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). When you receive the coupons in the mail, you will also receive the names and addresses of the retail stores near you where you can redeem them. Apply for your coupons now! It will take a few weeks to process your request.

How do I install the converter box?

Converter boxes are easy to install. You won't need tools, and the converter will come with a detailed instruction manual. For simple instructions for setting up any converter box, print out my handy guide, "Flo's Digital Tips," and share it with your family and friends.

How do I rescan for digital channels?

After hooking up a converter box to your TV set or installing a new digital television, you will need to scan, or auto-tune, for new channels to ensure you receive all of the digital stations broadcasting in your area.  While some boxes do this automatically, you may need to scan manually.

Using the remote control for the converter box or digital TV, select "menu" or "setup" or a similar term.  Then select "scan," "channel scan," "auto scan," or "auto program."  Next, select "OK" and wait while your converter box or digital TV searches for all the channels available to you in your area.  Once complete, you should be able to select the channels you want to view with the remote control.  For TVs connected to a conveter box, you will need to use the converter box remote control (not the remote control for the TV) to change channels. Please note that these are general instructions; for detailed instructions, please consult your owner's manual.

Where do I go if I want more information?

For more information about the digital television transition, watch this video: DTV 101. For details on the federal digital TV converter box progam, visit http://www.dtv2009.gov/.