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Television junkies better put their remotes down and mark Feb. 17 on their calendars, because that’s the day television broadcasting is set to go all-digital — something that may require some preparation to avoid losing reception.• Who’s affected?Anyone who has an analog TV or receives free “over-the-air” programming through an antenna will have to buy a digital converter box.Antennas will still be required to receive transmissions once the converter box is hooked up, so don’t toss those rabbit ears yet.• Am I analog?If your TV was made before 1998, it’s analog, which means it doesn’t have a built-in digital tuner. If it was made between 1998 and 2004, it may have a tuner, and all models after 2004 have a high likelihood of being digital-ready. To search your TV’s manufacturer and model number, visit dtvanswers.com.• What if I have cable?Anyone who subscribes to a cable or satellite service should not be affected by the switch-over, according to the DTV Web site.• What’s a converter box and how do I get one?An analog-to-digital converter box, which is about the size of a paperback book, will allow your analog TV to receive digital reception. They cost $40 to $70, and the federal government is allowing each household $40 coupons to defray cost, with a maximum of two per household, while supplies last, until March 31.To apply for coupons, call (888) 388-2009 or visit DTV2009.gov. A list of particiipating electronic retailers will be included with the mailing.• What if I want to get rid of my old TV?Cary offers residents a free drop-off location at 313 N. Dixon Ave. with a copy of your water, sewer or trash bill, or call for a curbside pick-up at 469-4090 for $11 per TV.Apex, Morrisville and Holly Springs do not offer free drop-off but encourage residents to take their TVs to a Wake County Multi-Material Recycling Facility at 9029 Deponie Drive in Raleigh or 6130 Old Smithfield Road in Apex. • What’s the benefit?According to the FCC, the advantages to digital include freeing up airwave space for other uses, better picture and sound quality and the ability to provide consumers with more programming efficiently, using fewer resources.• I still have questionsContact the FCC at (888) 835-5322 or visit dtv.gov.
