As you may have heard, on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the USA will stop broadcasting analog TV signals. What this means for viewers is that beginning February 18, 2009, every television must be equipped to receive digital signals in order to get any channels. Below are some ideas on how you can explain what's happening and how you can help your parents — and others — get ready.

Why is this happening now?

The transition will free up scarce and valuable airwaves for public safety and new wireless services. This is possible because the modern technology of DTV is more efficient than analog TV technology, allowing for many new and critical uses of this very limited resource.

What do my parents need to do?

First, find out how your parents receive TV in their home. If they subscribe to a pay-TV service (cable, satellite, or Internet TV), they don't need to do anything. Likewise, if their TV has a built-in digital tuner, they don't need to do anything. Pay-TV subscribers and people who own digital TV sets connected to an antenna are already prepared. If your parents watch TV on an analog set with "rabbit ears" or an outdoor antenna, there are three choices:

• Buy a new TV with a built-in digital tuner. Digital TV sets are now widely available for under $200.
• Subscribe to a pay-TV service.
• Purchase an affordable Digital TV converter box to continue to enjoy free over-the-air television.

Any of these options would make a great gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandprents' Day and birthdays!

What is a Digital TV converter box?

A Digital TV Converter Box receives over-the-air digital TV signals and converts them for analog viewing. The box is about the size of a paperback book and should fit on top of a small or medium-sized TV set. You need one converter box for each TV set that's being used to watch over-the-air broadcasts.

How do I get one for my parents?

The converter boxes can be purchased for between $50 to $70 at thousands of stores throughout the country. Each household can get up to two $40 coupons from the federal government to offset the cost of converter boxes. To apply for coupons for your parents, go to http://www.dtv2009.gov/ or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). When you receive the coupons in the mail, you will also receive the names and addresses of the retail stores near you where you can redeem them. Apply for your coupons now! It will take a few weeks to process your request.

How do I install the converter box?

Converter boxes are easy to install. You won't need tools, and the converter will come with a detailed instruction manual. For simple instructions for setting up any converter box, print out my handy guide, "Flo's Digital Tips," and share it with your family and friends.

Where do I go if I want more information?

For more information about the digital television transition, watch this video: DTV 101. For details on the federal digital TV converter box progam, visit http://www.dtv2009.gov/.