Going digital

Lifestyle/Technology: Next February will mark the end of old technology TV | Susan Olasky

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Feb. 17, 2009, will mark the end of the era of analog television. About 15 percent of households—those with analog sets that do not already receive a digital signal—will be affected by the change, but they don't have to run out and get a new TV.

(If you bought your TV before 1998, it almost certainly is analog. If it was cheap, it almost certainly is analog. If you're using an antenna in bad weather and you get snow on your set, it's analog. If you turn to a channel where a station isn't broadcasting and you get snow, it's analog.)

The cheapest option is to purchase a converter box, priced between $50 and $70. To take the sting out of the cost, the federal government is making available up to two $40 coupons per household, one per converter box. Once they've hooked up the converter, viewers will still be able to get free, over-the-air TV using rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna.