Some people looking at t.v. sets at retail stores aren't sure what the advent of digital television will mean for them. One woman told us, "Do i have to go out and get all new equipment? What do i have to do to get my home ready?"

There are a lot of misconceptions about digital t.v. For instance, some people think that they have to get a brand new expensive t.v. They think that their older television will stop working, but that's not true.

A lot of people are considering fancy high definition flat screens to get ready for the transfer to digital on February 17th 2009. The misconceptions are great news for those who sell modern television sets, which can go for several thousand dollars.

You will not need a high definition t.v. to get a digital picture. When t.v. stations start broadcasting digital only, if you have cable or satellite, your old t.v. will pick up the image. The cable company may charge a fee for a new box. But there's no need to buy an high definition television set.

If you get your programming over-the-air using an antenna such as rabbit ears, you may be in trouble. If your t.v. does not have a digital receiver, you need to get a digital set top box. The box translates a digital picture so that older television sets can make sense of it.

Not all retailers have the box in stock. It costs as much as $60 but the government will give you a $40 coupon to buy it. You can get two coupons per household. You just have to contact the Federal Communications Commission. Phone Numebers:
Voice: toll-free 1-888-225-5322 (1-888-CALL FCC)
TTY: toll-free 1-888-835-5322 (1-888-TELL FCC)

To see Chad Newton's full report, just click on the video link at the top of this page.