What Should I Do to Get Ready for the Digital TV Transition?

I remember growing up as a kid, we used to have one of those old school television sets in the big wooden cabinet. I used to lie down in front of the TV so that my foot could reach the channel dial and I would change the channels with my foot. Yes, I said "dial"...we didn't have buttons on the TV in those days. And yes, I said I changed the channels with my foot...we didn't have remote controls in those days either. Heck, when the remote control was invented I thought it was the greatest thing ever! Of course, times changed and cable TV came along, then satellite, HDTV, etc. Now there's this transition to digital TV that is going to happen. So what is the digital TV transition? How will it affect you? What do you need to know to get ready for it? What do you need to do about it, if anything?

First of all, here are the basics of what is going to happen (no techno-speak in this article, just the bare bones of what you need to know).

Right now, the over-the-air TV stations broadcast in both analog AND digital formats. But on February 17, 2009 they will start broadcasting ONLY in digital. Basically, the digital TV (or DTV) transition will affect those of us who watch free TV using antennas or rabbit ears. So if you are one of those who set up an antenna on your roof or use the little rabbit ears box top antennas, keep reading because you will no longer be able to watch TV unless you take some action before February 17, 2009.

As of that date, the TV stations will have to switch to digital because it is required by federal law. The idea is to free up the airwaves for emergency response communications like police, fire, etc. The switch to digital should also allow TV stations to offer better quality picture and sound than analog. Consumers will also be offered more programming choices and have access to advanced wireless services.

So now let's get down to the nitty gritty. What, if anything, do you have to do before February 17, 2009? You basically have three options:

The first option is to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box. You can purchase these converter boxes at most electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City. In fact most "big box" retailers like Target and Wal-Mart probably carry them too. The converters should cost around $40 or so, and to help with this transition the good old U.S. government is providing $40 coupons to offset the cost. Each household can get two of these $40 coupons, since most households these days have more than one TV. Go to www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 for details on this program.

Your second option is to get cable service. If you subscribe to cable or satellite TV with local broadcast stations, you'll be ready for the switchover. But just keep in mind that if you subscribe to a paid TV service but don't get local broadcast stations through your service provider, then you'll need to get the digital-to-analog converter box.

The third option is to go and buy a digital TV. A digital TV already has a digital tuner built in, so you'll be able to receive the digital signal. You don't need to get a HDTV (High Definition TV) so don't let the sales guy push you into buying one. You just need a digital TV.

Yes, times are changing. And yes, you've got to keep up. But the digital TV switchover isn't anything to get bent out of shape about. As long as you don't wait until the last minute to get this done with a million other procrastinators, you'll be fine. And in the end, you'll enjoy the better picture and sound quality.