At the stroke of midnight on February 17, 2009, all over-the-air broadcast television signals must convert from the current analog system to a digital signal. At that time, consumers who utilize traditional television antennas will require a converter box in order to receive the digital broadcast.

The converter boxes will be sold for approximately $50 - $70 when they go on sale around March of this year at retailers such as BestBuy, Radio Shack, Target, and Wal-Mart.

To defray the cost of the required converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is offering coupons which will provide consumers $40 off the retail price of the box. Consumers can request coupons by calling 888-388-2009 or visiting www.dtv2009.gov.

At this time each household, regardless of their source of television in their homes, can request a maximum of two coupons. Once the initial supply of 22.25 million coupons is exhausted, an additional 11 million coupons are available for consumers who only receive their TV broadcast using over-the-air using an antenna. More than 1 million households have requested the coupon since the program began on January 1, 2008.

Coupons will expire 90 days after they are issued, so consumers should request coupons when they are prepared to make a purchase.

Congress ordered the switch to digital television because it will free up valuable airwaves for other uses, such as for police and fire departments. It will also lead to improved picture and sound for TV viewers.