If you have a television in your business, then the digital television conversion could affect you. Old analog televisions in sports bars, waiting rooms and lobbies could all go dark, unless you learn what to do through digital TV education and training.

The digital television conversion only affects you if you use an off-air antenna to get your television signal on an analog TV. If you subscribe to cable or satellite services at your business, then you will automatically be switched over to digital cable TV and digital satellite TV—even if you have an old television. Additionally, if you bought a new TV after March 1, 2007, then it should contain a digital TV tuner and be "digital television ready." But, if you currently use an off-air antenna to feed an old analog television set, then you will need to know:

1. Basic information about the switch to digital TV;

2. How to get a digital TV signal on your old analog set;

3. And how to defray the cost of the digital TV conversion.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the switch to digital TV

The federal government is forcing broadcasters to switch from an analog television signal to a digital TV signal. The conversion to digital TV channels allows television stations to broadcast additional programming and frees up the analog spectrum for other uses. However, if you have an old analog television with an antenna, then you won't be able to see the new digital signal without a converter box.

I recommend: Check out DTV Answers for answers to common questions about the switch. The website is sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters. The Federal Communications Commission runs a website that explains the digital transition and gives digital facts at a glance.

Educate yourself about the digital TV converter box

If your television does not have a digital TV receiver, and you use an off air antenna, then you will need a digital TV converter box to receive digital broadcasts. The box takes the digital broadcast signal and converts it to a format that can be viewed on your old analog television.

I recommend: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has an good online consumer information guide that explains what converter boxes are and what they do. The Consumer Reports website from Consumers Union reviews and explains digital tuner capabilities, features and connection quirks.

Find out about free coupons that can reduce the cost of buying a digital TV converter box

In order to defray the cost of buying a digital TV converter box, the federal government is issuing coupons for $40 off the price of a box. The boxes cost between $50 and $70. You can sign up online to receive a coupon. They must be used within 90 days, or they expire.

I recommend: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is in charge of distributing the coupons for digital TV converters. The administration's website contains the answers to frequently asked questions about the coupon program. The Federal Trade Commission has a very informative website that explains the rules about using the coupons and gives advice on avoiding scams related to the coupons.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you get good reception for channels 2 to 51 on your old antenna, then you probably won't need a new digital TV antenna. A converter box on your old analog TV should be all you need.

In an effort for television stations to improve their picture and their sound quality, a deadline of February 17, 2009 was set for all US broadcast TV stations to cease to broadcast on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only digital TV (DTV). The move also allows for additional channels to be created.

The digital TV transition also allows for advanced wireless Internet services and improved public safety communication.

To find the right digital satellite TV, digital TV antenna, digital TV converter or digital TV tuner for you:

1. Determine if your television is a digital TV or if you are still running on an analog set.

2. Figure out your monthly television entertainment budget.

3. Select a package from a digital TV provider based on budget but also consider number of channels. Upgrades can often mean the difference between 45 digital TV channels and hundreds of channels.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Convert your analog television with a digital TV converter

Before you commit to purchasing a new digital TV, consider converting your old analog television with a digital TV converter box.

I recommend: Find out more about the switch to DTV from the Federal Communications Commission. Discover what your options are for digital TV converters, or apply for a coupon from the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. Purchase a converter box using one of their coupons from Solid Signal. You can also purchase a digital TV converters from Radio Shack.

Purchase or compare your digital TV options

Compare and/or purchase your next digital TV through the web. Comparing features and prices has never been easier, so invest a few minutes before purchasing in store or online.

I recommend: Check out the AQUOS by Sharp Electronics Corp. Purchase Sony digital televisions from Dell. You can even do a digital television review comparison through CNET Networks, Inc.

Find a digital TV provider

Work with a company that provides digital TV services for your home or office. With hundreds of channels and digital video recording (DVR) available, digital television is an entertainment revolution that cannot be ignored.

I recommend: DIRECTV not only offers digital satellite TV services, they also offer high definition (HD or high def) television as well. DIRECTV's services include digital television and sound as well as digital video recording capabilities. RCN is another digital cable TV provider. DISH Network is one of the most popular digital TV providers, and they offer you an in-depth look at the analog to DTV conversion. Comcast Digital Cable offers on-demand television, HDTV as well as DVR.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Digital TV DVRs are a great way to save your favorite shows. Make sure to lock specific programming that you want to keep indefinitely, though, because as newer shows begin to fill your allotted number of hours, your saved shows will start auto deleting from the oldest date.

Beginning on June 12, 2009, all television stations in the U.S. will be required to institute the transition from an analog signal to a digital one. Along with the switch comes a new set of terms that encompasses everything from the signal itself to the new equipment you'll need to get up to speed. The digital wave allows television stations to produce more effective broadcasts as well as offer more programming options along with a clearer picture and sound quality.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Digital TV converter

A digital TV converter will allow analog televisions to receive a digital signal. The converter prevents analog users from having to purchase a new television and allows them to adapt their current television equipment to receive digital signals. Since the switch to digital television is mandatory, the government has issued coupons for consumers to use toward the purchase of a converter box.

I recommend: The Federal Communications Commission offers information on digital TV converter boxes as well as resources to purchase a converter.

Analog signal

Analog is a thing of the past. All 'new' so-called analog televisions, which require an antenna to receive a signal, are also equipped to receive a digital signal.

I recommend: DTV Answers explains the differences between an analog signal and the updated digital television signal.

Digital compression, bit rate

Digital compression is the process in which you are sent digital quality pictures. The bit rate number can be adjusted to create an optimal broadcast depending on the type of show being transmitted.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks details the specifics of digital compression and the corresponding bit rates.

High-definition (HDTV)

High-definition television refers to the television set and the television signal. First and foremost your television needs to be equipped to show a high-definition picture. In addition to the equipment, you also need to receive a high-definition signal from your cable company or satellite provider. A high-definition picture is sharper and clearer then a traditional analog picture.

I recommend: KRCG-TV out of Missouri answers commonly asked questions about the switch to digital and high-definition signals.

700-MHz band

The 700-MHz bandwith is used for nationwide commercial and public safety broadcasts on TV channels 52 to 69. This designation came as a part of the switch to digital television. Commercial and public safety stations had to participate in an auction in order to get a spot on either the upper or lower 700-MHz band.

I recommend: 700-mhz elaborates on the details and requirements to broadcast on the bandwith.

Rear projection televisions

Digital rear projection televisions are more compact and wider then the old tube-type televisions. These televisions are equipped to receive digital and high-definition signals.

I recommend: Crutchfield explains the pros and cons of the different types of big-screen digital projection televisions and compares them to LCD and plasma TVs.