As you probably already know, America's switch from analog to digital TV broadcasting is nearing completion. A government mandate requires that all full-power TV stations stop broadcasting analog signals and switch to 100% digital broadcasting by February 17, 2009. Compared to analog, digital broadcasts provide a sharper picture and more programming options — but you need the right equipment to watch them.

Who is affected?

The digital transition will primarily affect the 15-20 million TV viewers who rely on local over-the-air broadcasts received via antenna. After Feb. 17, 2009, all old-fashioned TVs (those with an analog-only tuner) will need to be connected to a digital-to-analog converter box, or replaced by a new TV with a built-in digital tuner in order to receive over-the-air broadcasts. Cable or satellite TV subscribers shouldn't experience any interruption in service.

Digital converter boxes

People with who rely on antennas to receive TV signals need a converter box for each TV. Converter boxes sell for $40 - $70. You can reduce the cost significantly by taking advantage of the government's coupon program.

How to sign up for the government's $40 converter box coupons

You may apply for up to two $40 coupons per household anytime before March 31, 2009. The government has a website set up that lets you apply for the coupons. You can also apply by phone by calling 1-888-DTV-2009. The coupons expire after 90 days.

Unfortunately, Crutchfield does not sell DTV converters and cannot redeem the government coupons. However, we've assembled some tips to help you find the right converter box for your needs, plus some pointers and diagrams to help you hook it up.

What should I look for in a DTV converter?

Most stores offer only one or two models. But if you have a choice of boxes, here are some things you may want to look for:

Analog pass-through
To watch channels from both analog and digital TV stations, you'll need a converter box that will allow the analog signal to pass through to your TV set. This feature will come in handy prior to the analog broadcast cutoff date (and beyond that date for people who can receive low-power stations that won't be changing to digital).

Other considerations

• Does it have a signal strength indicator? This will help you aim your antenna to get the best possible signal from each station.
• Types of video and audio outputs
• What cables are included?
• Good usability/ergonomics. For example, elderly people will probably prefer a remote control that has large, well-spaced buttons.
• Can it run on batteries? If you use a battery powered TV for information during emergencies, you'll need a DTV converter that can be powered by batteries or you'll have to buy a separate portable powerpack.

What to expect from a converter

Compared to analog, DTV broadcasts provide a sharper picture (and more program options). However, DTV tuners require a strong signal. You won't see a "snowy" but watchable picture from a weak signal. If you don't get a good picture, you'll get a badly distorted one or none at all.

You may need a new antenna

Because weak signals may not be picked at all up by the tuner in your DTV converter, you may need to aim your antenna toward the transmitter or get a better antenna.

For more information on how to select, install and aim a TV antenna, and to learn how to locate the transmitters in your area, see our article on HDTV antennas.

The DTV picture is a different shape

Many digital TV shows are broadcast is widescreen mode. To fit the wider image on your old TV, the converter box has to squash the picture and put black bars above and below it. People in the picture will appear smaller. If this bothers you, you can zoom in and fill your entire screen, but that chops off the sides of the picture. Or you can select a mode that squeezes the wider picture into the narrower screen, but this distorts the images.

You may lose some of the benefits of your VCR

Unless you have separate converter boxes for your TV and your VCR, you won't be able to watch one program while recording another. Unless your converter has an event timer built-in, and few do, you can only do timed recordings on one channel.