The long-awaited transition from analog to full digital television transmission is set to occur on June 12, 2009. Congress mandated this change in 1996.  What are the benefits of digital television transmission?One of the most significant benefits of this transition is that it will free up the analog broadcast spectrum currently used by television stations for critical public-safety communications such as police and fire departments. The Government will also auction off some of the spectrum to companies that provide consumers with more advanced wireless communications. Digital transmission is much more efficient than analog, too; broadcasters can pack several different channels of digital programming into the same amount of spectrum as was used by a single analog transmission. Digital also provides the ability to offer high-definitions signals, interactive video, and data services not available with analog technology.What you need to do in order to prepare for the transition depends on how you receive your television signal and the age of your television set. If you have an older analog TV and receive your television signal for free using a rooftop antennae or rabbit ears, you will need to purchase an analog-to-digital converter box. There are coupons available to offset this cost. If you have a newer TV with an internal digital tuner there is nothing you need to do.If you receive your television signal via a satellite dish or cable company, regardless of the age of your TV, you are already prepared for the switch. Many local stations have already made the transition: June 12 is the deadline to cease analog transmission but many stations have already started simulcasting in digital.If you don’t know whether or not you have a television with a digital tuner, look for a label on the back or bottom of the set or refer to the booklet that came with the TV.  Terms to watch for include “Integrated Digital Tuner”, “Digital Tuner Built-In”, “Digital Receiver”, “Digital Tuner”, “DTV”, “ATSC”, or “HDTV”.  If you are unable to determine on your own if your set has digital capabilities, locate the manufacturer and model number of your set and contact the manufacturer directly. The manufacturer may also have a website where you can find this information.By law, all televisions imported into the U.S. or shipped interstate on or after March 1, 2007 had to include a digital tuner.  Retailers could continue to sell whatever they had in stock after that time, even if they did not have a digital tuner, but for analog sets information was required to be posted indicating that the set was not digital-compatible.If your television does not include a digital tuner and you wish to continue receiving free over-the-air television signals, you will need to purchase a ‘digital to analog’ converter box for each analog TV.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has established a coupon program to help offset the cost of the converter box.  Each household is eligible to receive up to two $40 coupons.  The converter boxes are estimated to cost from $40 to $70 each and can be purchased at most electronics stores. Click here for additional information on the coupon program or to apply for the coupon(s).  You can also apply by calling 1-888-388-2009.  Coupons must be used within 90 days of receipt. 

For a list of television stations across the country that are already broadcasting digital signals, click here .