The Big Switch from an analog to a digital signal for your TV is set to be flipped on February 17, 2009 and it will be here before you know it. While this change in signals won’t affect most TV viewers, it will impact those folks who still depend on rabbit ears or antennas on their older analog TVs.  Converting to a digital signal will not be as simple as many say it will be – especially for those senior citizens who may not be technologically advanced.  

Just watch this video — we know it is somewhat ageist, but it clearly illustrates what many seniors may face in the transition to digital TV.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/36608/talkshow-with-spike-feresten-cable-psa - s-p1-st-i1  

How will you need to do if you are not already digitally ready?

1. You’ll either have to purchase a converter box for your analog TV that will allow digital reception.

2. Connect your analog TV to digital by subscribing to a paid cable or satellite service, or 

3. Buy a TV with a built-in digital tuner. 

Take the last bit of advice with a grain of salt because there’s no need to go the expense of buying a new TV unless you just want a new TV. 

Through a program run by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration -- part of the U.S. Department of Commerce -- every household can get two $40 coupons to help defray the cost of purchasing the converter boxes. Most of the boxes cost between $50 and $70.

Of course, this transition opens up a perfect opportunity for con artists and scammers so the FTC offers these warnings to consumers:

Don’t pay for a coupon for a converter box. They are FREE from the federal government.

Don’t provide your Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive financial information when you order or redeem your coupon.

If you return a converter box you bought with a coupon, you can’t get the value of the coupon.

UCAN’s consumer advocates offer this tip: Use your coupons at a local retailer that carries the converter boxes. Don’t  buy the boxes or use the coupons online.

If you’re not a high-tech whiz, find a relative or neighbor who is and they’ll have your converter box installed in no time. In appreciation, make them your favorite dessert.  For more tips, go to http://www.dtv2009.gov/.