Yeah, that was my first reaction, as well. Digital, analog -- who cares as long as the TV comes on when you press "power" and your favorite show beams forth? And that's the point. If you have not switched to digital by the witching hour, you'll be watching a lot of static snow.

Any television sets receiving free TV using an antenna (as opposed to receiving your television programming via cable or satellite) will not work at the conversion date. But don't panic. If this describes your situation, you have options:

-- You can keep your existing analog TV and purchase a "converter box" that plugs in to your TV and will keep your programs coming after Feb. 17.

-- You can sign up for cable or satellite TV. All cable providers offer some kind of "basic" service that is limited to the channels you receive now. But you might have to ask a few times to get a quote for that minimal service. Or go to the cable provider's Web site to learn your options.

-- You can replace your analog television with one that has a digital tuner.

The most cost-effective option for analog-television owners is a TV converter box. This is a new product and is available now. This is a one-time purchase that costs between $40 and $70. A television that is connected to cable, satellite or another paid TV service does not require a converter.

To assist consumers with making the switch from analog to digital television, U.S. Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. This allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons (each television will require its own converter box), each worth $40. They can be applied to the cost of eligible converter boxes.

You can apply for up to two coupons right now through March 31, 2009. You have these three options:

-- Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx.

-- Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hot line: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

-- Download a coupon application at www.dtv2009.gov. Fax the completed application to 1-877-388-4632.

Need more information? Go to www.dtv2009.gov, where you will find the answers to all of your questions about digital conversion and plenty you probably didn't think to ask.

I will tell you in advance that if your question is how to get that ugly old antenna off your roof without actually having to climb up there, you won't find the answer at that Web site. But if you figure it out, please let me know.

Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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