This is the first installment in a series of reports by KATU Problem Solver Shellie Bailey-Shah aimed at helping you understand the upcoming transition to digital television in February, 2009. 

PORTLAND, Ore. - Starting in February of next year, all broadcast stations, including KATU, will stop airing an analog signal to you at home.

Right now, we send you two signals - one is analog and the other is digital (a cleaner, clearer and more compact signal).

On Feb. 17, 2009, the government is requiring us to flip off the analog signal, and for some of you that means your TV will, in essence, flip off too.

The government will be auctioning off part of the analog spectrum to companies like Google, to use for things other than TV.

"So all the old spectrum will be used for safety communications and really exciting new wireless applications, some of the things we haven't even thought of yet," explained Megan Pollack with the Consumer Electronics Association.

If you have a TV that needs an antenna to get a signal, you will be affected.  You have four options:

"When we send these coupons out, we are trying to make it as easy as possible for consumers. We'll send a list of retailers in their area where they can use the coupon, as well as a list of eligible boxes," said Meredith Baker of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
    
Each household qualifies for two $40 coupons, but you can only use one per box.  Also, and this is important, the coupons are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are only good up to 90 days.  So if you have an analog set, you should apply soon. Call 1-888-dtv-2009 or go to www.dtv2009.gov.  The converter boxes will be available in stores by the middle of February.

Option 2

Sign up for cable or satellite TV and continue to use your TV as usual.  If you have cable or satellite already, you don't need to worry because your company will provide you a digital signal.  Your cable or satellite box will serve as the converter.

Option 3

Buy a new DVR or DVD recorder with a digital tuner for around $200.  This option only makes sense if you're in the market to buy one anyway.

Option 4
     
Buy a new television that's able to pick up digital signals.  But be aware that digital and high-definition don't mean the same thing! 

"You don't need a high-definition television. What you need is a TV with a digital tuner and you can get one of those for a few hundred bucks," said Gerard Catapano from Consumer Reports.