By now, everyone who is tech savvy enough to get online has at least heard about the switch to digital TV signals that will take place at midnight on 02/17/09. At that time all TV transmissions will go exclusively digital, and your old TV will go exclusively to snow — unless you are on cable or satellite, or have a converter.
South Carolina ETV has an excellent online explanation of digital TV. It explains about screen resolution, HDTV v. digital, and covers all you need to know to help you purchase a new set, or get a $40 coupon to help pay for a converter for your old analog TV.
Let’s be very clear about this: if you have cable or satellite now, you do not need a new TV or a converter. If you use an outside or a “rabbit ears” antenna, you do need a converter or a new TV.