Feb 17, 2009: A government mandate requires that all full-power TV broadcasters stop broadcasting analog signals and change to 100% digital broadcasting by THIS DATE!!! This transmutation will primarily alter nearly 15-20 million TV viewers who rely on local over-the-air broadcasts received via antenna.

Viewers who concord to cable or Dish TV shouldn't undergo any disruption in those services. If needful, your Cable or Dish provider will provide a digital set-top box that will work with your TV.

Ok, what do I need to do? For continuing broadcasting after the 2009 cutoff, all of you out there with your old-fashioned TVs (analog-only tuners) will need to be joined to a digital-to-analog converter box, or replaced by a new HDTV with a built-in digital tuner.

As of now these device boxes will sell for between $50 and $70. These will be acquirable to the public real soon! If you opt out for the "stand alone" convertor box don't be fooled that you will have a high definition signal, you will be receiving a digital signal alright but like the boxes title, it's converting it back to analog!

Also if you currently subscribe to DIRECTV or DISH, your HD satellite receiver will most likely include an over-the air HD receiver to get your local HDTV stations.

Let me add something to this, most all your Cable and Satellite companies will charge you more (ordinarily around $10/month more) to get your local High def signals via there receiver! If you take this route and your ok with $10 fee your set to go! Your otherwise choice?...

Acquire your own over-the-air (OTA) HDTV antenna and save the $120/year! The antenna is affordable and actually you will get a better image than via your cable or Dish provider's box! How? When you get your Hi def signal via your own hd antenna your are getting a (pure) 100% digital uncompressed signal!

Getting your signal through a Dish/Cable provider causes the HD signal to get compressed (squeezed smaller) in order for your provider to carry along with all the other channels their providing you! Go right ahead and let'em in!

Hdtv is quickly approaching but it's ok. Having the noesis of the options you know to decide upon will make it effortless to open the door!