Dear Margaret,

What’s all this about the TVs changing in February?

Signed,

I want to watch my TV

Dear I want to watch my TV,

By law, all broadcast stations have to change to digital broadcasting on Feb. 17, 2009, which means the analog way of sending airwaves will change to digital.

The digital signal will be much clearer visually and have better sound quality. Digital signals can only be received with a high density TV set or an old analog TV with a converter box. A converter box costs about $60 but you can get a government coupon for $40 to subsidize the cost. 

Don’t let the electronic sales people talk you into a new TV, the only thing you will need is a converter box and maybe a new antenna to receive all digital signals possible. The converter box is a lot like hooking up a VCR to your TV. The big difference is, once hooked up; you can only change channels with your remote that comes with your new converter box. 

For more questions please dial “211” locally, or visit the Web site www.dtvanswers.com.  For information about government coupons dial toll free 888-388-2009. If you are hard of hearing (TTY) dial 877-530-2634 or Spanish speaking dial 866-495-1161. You can also visit the Web site www.dtv2009.gov to apply online for coupons.

Hope this helps as you navigate this new way of viewing TV.