How do I switch to digital?

Switching to digital television is easy to do. Your public broadcasting station, and many other local TV stations, are already broadcasting in digital. So once you make the switch, you can start watching DTV right away — and take full advantage of better picture and sound quality.

Do you live in a rural area? Your digital conversion date will likely be later than February 2009. Find out more.

Ready to get started? Your first step is figuring out how you receive your TV broadcasts today and then selecting the best approach to go digital.

Check the chart below to determine how you're watching TV now. Then, choose the option listed below the chart that most closely matches your situation to find out what to do next.

If your TV tuner is:	You get your programming from:	You will need by 2.17.09:
Analog	Over-the-air with an antenna or rabbit ears	Digital converter box
Analog	Cable or satellite	Your cable or satellite provider will address
Digital	Over-the-air with an antenna or rabbit ears	Nothing
Digital	Cable or satellite	Your cable or satellite provider will address

Still not sure how you're receiving TV broadcasts right now? Take this easy DTV Quiz to find out. (This link will open in a separate window.)

How do I tell if my TV set is digital?

Choose the option below that most closely matches your situation to find out what to do next.

Option 1: Watch over the air with an analog TV, an antenna & a converter box

If you currently watch TV over the air with an analog TV, an antenna and/or rabbit ears, you need a set-top converter box to receive digital channels. Find out more.

Once you've hooked up your set-top converter box, you can start watching digital television for free! Your converter box will come with instructions on how to connect it to your TV. For general guidelines, download this Converter Box Quick Start Guide (This document will open in a separate window.) from the Consumer Electronics Association.

Do I need to buy a new antenna to watch digital TV?

Do you live in a rural area? Your digital conversion date will likely be later than February 2009. Find out more.

Option 2: Watch over the air with a digital TV & an antenna

IIf you have a TV with a built-in digital tuner, you can receive digital signals over the air for free, provided you are in reach of a digital transmitter. Just turn on your TV and start watching — it's all free!

Important Note: You can watch digital TV over the air with either a standard-definition or a high-definition TV set. You do not need a high-definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcasts. Find out more.

Do I need to buy a new antenna to watch digital TV?

Do you live in a rural area? Your digital conversion date will likely be later than February 2009. Find out more.

Option 3: Watch with a subscription to digital services through a cable or satellite provider

If you subscribe to cable or satellite, you can receive their package of digital channels on either your analog TV or digital TV. Some digital channels may not be available from your cable or satellite provider. Consult your cable or satellite company for information.