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: