There are three ways to prepare for the transition to DTV:

1) Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing television set.

The DTV converter box, sometimes referred to as a set-top box, is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal viewable on an older “analog” television set. DTV converter boxes are available for purchase at electronics retailers for about $250, but are expected to cost between $50 and $70 by early 2008. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government will offer up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households beginning in early 2008. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single DTV converter box and the coupon program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) www.ntia.doc.gov.

You will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before. Find out how to get a converter box

2) Buy a new television with a built-in digital tuner

Another option you may choose is to upgrade to a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. As with older sets, you will need an over-the-air antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog television signals to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations. Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, you should make sure your current TV doesn’t already have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner.

To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

3) Subscribe to a cable or satellite television service provider

All of these services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog television set. No additional equipment is required if you decide to go this route. However, be sure to check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations.

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