Got an older TV? Read this

	RETROFIT  With a converter box, your older, analog TV can handle digital broadcasts.

If you get TV reception through an antenna, as roughly 42 million U.S. homes do, things will change for you in February 2009. That's when television broadcasters will stop sending analog signals and will switch to all-digital broadcasting. Unless your TV has a digital ATSC tuner--older sets don't--you'll have a box that sits in the corner and hisses at you when you try to watch your shows. Might as well get a cat.

Newer, digital TVs have their advantages, including sharper pictures, better sound, and more channels. But don't be pushed to buy one unless you want a TV anyway. Your existing set will still play DVDs, video games, and videotapes. And you can get a converter box that will let it pick up the new digital TV signals.


Coupon clipping

Along with the federally mandated conversion to digital broadcasting comes a federally sponsored coupon to defray the cost to consumers of retrofitting their televisions to receive digital signals. A provision passed by Congress at the urging of Consumers Union and other groups allows every household to get two $40 coupons to apply toward the cost of two converter boxes. The boxes will probably cost $50 to $70, so consumers will still have to shell out something for this new world of TV. The money available for the program is limited, and the number of coupons is smaller than the number of analog sets out there, but it's something. The converter boxes and the coupons will be available in early 2008. For more information, go to www.dtv.gov.

If you already receive your signals through a cable, satellite, or telephone company, you shouldn't need any new equipment. See How to survive the digital TV transition for expert advice on the conversion. Online subscribers can also receive up-to-date Ratings of TVs and assessments of services.

As the transition to digital TV nears, we'll be watching to see how well the government informs the public, what information manufacturers and retailers are pitching, and whether the government and industry are meeting their obligations to ease the transition. We'll also be tracking the effect of the conversion on low-income consumers, who most need the coupons. Check out www.HearUsNow.org, CU's Web site for communications issues, for the latest information.