The digital TV transition is underway... are you ready?

On February 17, 2009, all full-power television broadcasters nationwide will make the transition from analog to digital broadcasting as mandated by federal law.

When the digital TV transition is complete, over-the-air broadcasting of free TV programming will move to exclusively digital channels and traditional analog channels will be switched off.

The switch is taking place because digital is a more efficient way to broadcast and it will free up the airwaves for more services such as emergency communications. Digital TV also means clearer pictures, more channels and even free over-the-air high definition television (HDTV) for consumers with HDTV sets.