There is pending legislation that will set a deadline of February, 2009 as the date when TV stations must stop broadcasting in analog and switch completely to digital.

Why are we switching to Digital TV?

Besides better quality picture and interactive services, the analog spectrum freed up will be sliced up and auctioned off to the private sector, generating billions of dollars for the U.S.

Also, part of the spectrum will be reserved for communications to support vital public services like police, fire and local rescue squads.

Will my old TV become obsolete?

Viewers who watch TV off air would either need to buy an HDTV monitor and tuner or purchase a set top "converter" for their old analog TV sets. With a converter, the picture will not be in high definition. It just converts the digital signal to standard definition for playback on old TVs.

What about cable and satellite subscribers?

Viewers that subscribe to cable or satellite TV will not need a converter box. But to view high definition television an HDTV monitor, tuner and an HD subscription service will be required.

For more information about digital television, visit www.dtv.gov/.