Over-the-air analog US TV ends by February 17, 2009. If you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV service, you'll need to do something - either get a newer TV with digital tuning or apply for ( https://www.dtv2009.gov ) up to two $40 discount coupons towards certain basic converter boxes to let you keep using your old analog sets. One vendor, Echostar/SlingMedia, plans to sell a version (the TR-40) of the box for $40 starting around March 2008 ( http://www.physorg.com/news118951645.html ). Because it will take time for them to ramp up and the coupons expire 90 days after they're issued, Sling/Echostar recommends waiting until May to request the coupons if you intend to buy their box.

Translators and low-power broadcast television stations, used especially in rural areas or by some foreign language channels, aren't required to switch to digital next year (but some will). Only 4 of the 42 models of converter boxes (including the Echostar TR-40) currently certified have "analog pass-through" allowing you to view both analog and digital broadcasts.