All-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications such as police, fire, and emergency rescue, as well as advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.

Digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality without interference. It also offers more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams.

If you receive programming through a cable TV provider, your service will be unaffected by the switch; satellite TV service, VCRs, camcorders, DVD players and video game systems will also not be affected. The switch only applies to free over-the-air programming.

If you only receive over-the-air programming, you will need a TV set with a built-in digital tuner or a digital-ready monitor with a separate digital tuner set-top box. The only additional equipment required to view over-the-air digital programming with a DTV-equipped set is a regular rooftop or set-top antenna.

If your television set is labeled as "analog" or "NTSC," but is NOT labeled as containing a digital tuner, it contains an analog tuner only and will need a set-top converter. Check your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has "digital input" or "ATSC". You can also go to the manufacturer’s Web sites below and check the capabilities of the set by the manufacturer model number.

When purchasing a TV, if it does not include a digital tuner, the seller must disclose at the point-of-sale that the device includes only an analog tuner, and therefore will require a set-top converter box to receive over-the-air

broadcast television after the transition date. Retailers must display the following text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog tuner:

"This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009 to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products."

If your TV isn’t digital, you will have to purchase an analog-to-digital set-top converter box to attach to your TV set in order to view over-the-air digital programming.

Each TV will require its own converter, sharing converter boxes will not work.

Need help locating the proper outdoor antenna to receive your local television broadcast channels? Based on geographical maps and signal strengths, AntennaWeb.org locates the best antenna for you — whether it’s a home satellite system, high-definition television (HDTV) or a traditional analog set.

>> Find your recommended antenna

Until March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Coupon-eligible converter boxes are expected to cost between $50-$70 and will be available at electronics stores and online retailers.

How do I request a coupon?

Coupons will be available on a first come, first served basis. This will include retail information indicating where converter boxes are available for purchase within a five-mile radius of recipients' homes.

Or search here for a retailer near you. Coupons will expire 90 days from the date issued.

This quick start guide will give you easy instructions on how to install and use the DTV set-top converter box. The guide will help you understand what a digital television converter box looks like and how easy it is to install and use. Step-by-step instructions with color diagrams make converting a snap.

>> Download Printable Converter Box guide (pdf)

>> DTV Answers

>> DTV Answers in Spanish

>> DTV Is Coming (Fact Sheet)

>> Digital Television (DTV.gov)