Digital TV Switch

Been wondering about the impending digital TV switch? At midnight on February 17, the federal government is ordering TV stations to stop broadcasting in analog and start broadcasting in digital signals in order to free up airwaves to be used by police, fire rescue, and other emergency rescue, reports the Chicago Tribune. If you've got cable or satellite service, you're good - the boxes provided by these companies will handle the switch for you. If your TV was manufactured after March 01, 2007, it's probably equipped with a digital tuner and you won't need a box. However, if your TV is older than that, and if you're using rooftop antennae to receive basic TV channels, you'll need to get a digital converter box to continue watching programs after the switch. Converter boxes retail for about $60, but the government is issuing coupons that are worth $40 off this price. Coupons should be ordered now as they take six weeks to arrive by mail. To order coupons, visit http://www.dtv2009.gov/. Converter boxes are selling out quickly and there are delays between restocking. If you're using VCRs, they will need digital converter boxes as well.