Starting in 2004, more manufacturers added digital technology to TVs. As of March 2007, federal law required that all new TVs sold in the United States include digital tuners, which wouldn't need an outside converter box to capture the digital signal. Any TVs purchased since then probably are digital.

Consumers who bought their sets during the years in between probably would have paid more for digital technology. Those who still aren't sure should find their product manual or go to the manufacturer's Web site with the model number and look for indicators such as "digital" or the letters ATSC, which stands for Advanced Television Systems Committee, which developed the industry standards for digital TV. Analog TV owners can buy a converter box at any time to make the move to digital TV. Once hooked up, they will see clearer images and enhanced sound.

"You should notice a dramatic difference in your picture," said Linda Yun, a spokeswoman for the National Association of Broadcasters.

Consumers who own analog or digital TV sets hooked to cable or satellite service won't see much difference in February, as those systems will deliver the signal the same way they do now. And those who own HDTV sets, using the proper equipment to capture those signals, already experience the highest-quality picture.

Most local broadcast stations' digital signals will appear on their current analog channel numbers. Digital newcomers might see broadcasters "multi-casting," or streaming several program options on one channel.

For analog TV users who don't get converter boxes, the screen also will look different on Feb. 18.

"People who haven't taken any action at all would see snow," Yun said. "It would pretty much be a fuzzy picture."

Carolyn Shapiro, (757) 446-2270, carolyn.shapiro@pilotonline.com

Here are a few Web sites to help with your digital TV transition.

For information about and applications for the converter-box coupons: www.dtv2009.gov

For the Federal Communications Commission's frequently asked questions: www.dtv.gov

If you need a new antenna and want help finding the right one: www.antennaweb.org

To see a regional list of TV stations already broadcasting in digital: www.nab.org/am/aspcode/dtvstations/dtvstations.asp

Here are a few Web sites to help with your digital TV transition.

For information about and applications for the converter-box coupons:

www.dtv2009.gov

For the Federal Communications Commission's frequently asked questions: www.dtv.gov

If you need a new antenna and want help finding the right one: www.antennaweb.org

To see a regional list of TV stations already broadcasting in digital: www.nab.org/am/aspcode/dtvstations/dtvstations.asp Here is a quick guide to help you install a digital-to-analog converter box with your current antenna and analog TV. Before you begin the installation of the converter box, you should unplug your TV. Supplies: You will need your analog TV, the antenna you have been using (indoor or outdoor), and the coaxial wire that currently connects your antenna to your TV. Your new converter box will come with a coaxial wire and a remote control. Unplug the existing coaxial antenna wire from your TV "Antenna In (RF)" port.

Plug the existing coaxial wire into the "Antenna In (RF)" port on your converter box.

Using the coaxial wire that comes with your converter box, plug one end into the "Out To TV (RF)" port on the converter box. Plug the other end into the "Antenna In (RF)" port on your TV.

Plug the power cords on your converter box and TV into a power outlet, and turn on your TV and converter box. Using the instructions that come with your converter box, tune your TV to channel 3 or 4.

Using the remote that comes with your converter box, follow the on-screen set-up guide to scan for available DTV channels.

Originally published by BY CAROLYN SHAPIRO.

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