How do I switch?

Consumers who receive free broadcast television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners - and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company service provider - will be affected by the transition. Viewers who pay for TV services such as cable, satellite or telephone company television services should not be affected or need to upgrade.

See what steps (if any) you must take to upgrade to DTV before February 17, 2009 below:
 

Consumers who receive free broadcast television signals through antennas on television sets that are equipped with analog tuners - and who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company service provider - will be affected by the transition.* You can upgrade to DTV by following one of three steps by February 17, 2009: - Purchase a DTV converter box - Purchase a digital TV set - Subscribe to a cable, satellite or a telephone company service provider *Low-power TV stations may remain in analog after Feb. 17, 2009. Watching analog programming may require specific equipment.

All TVs with a digital tuner are able to receive digital signals broadcast by television stations, so you can continue to receive your free programming with no monthly fees. To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

Any TV set in your home that is connected to a cable, satellite or a telephone company television service should not be affected by the transition. But if you have any TV sets -- perhaps in a bedroom or kitchen -- that are not connected to a paid TV service, you will need to upgrade those sets to continue receiving a television signal on those sets after the transition to digital television.

Any TV set in your home that is connected to a satellite, cable or telephone company television service should not be affected by the transition. But if you have any TV sets -- perhaps in a bedroom or kitchen -- that are not connected to a paid TV service, you will need to upgrade those sets to continue receiving a television signal on those sets after the transition to digital television. In some areas, satellite companies do not provide local television channels, or the companies may charge extra to receive local stations. If you currently pick up local stations using an antenna, your TV set may need to be upgraded with a converter box if it does not have a built-in digital tuner.