Since television became available to homeowners in the late 1930s the technology has continued to improve and change. A significant change is on the horizon that will affect many consumers who currently enjoy free over-the-air television viewing.

There is a great deal of often confusing information coming from everyone from broadcasters to retail merchants. Consumers need to be informed so that they can make the choice that's best for them.

The federal government has mandated that all television stations cease broadcasting on their analog channels on February 17, 2009. Digital television will become the accepted format. Currently all TV stations in the US are airing digital television programming, as well as analog, and most will continue to offer analog programming until February 17. The transition is referred to as the Digital TV (DTV) transition.

Digital television is an advanced broadcasting technology that will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels. Digital TV is not High Definition TV (HDTV). HDTV is not directly involved in this transition.

This change affects only those consumers who use an antenna (including outside antennas and "rabbit ears") for over-the-air broadcast signals.

We suggest that you do an inventory of your equipment to determine how you get your TV signal. Is it analog or digital? Look at the back of your television set. Do you have rabbit ears or an antenna on your roof or in your attic? Do they connect directly to your TV set? Generally this indicates that you will need a digital-to-analog converter box. Look at the back of your TV set or check the manual that came with your TV if you are not sure what format you use.

Newer models have an internal converter, called a digital tuner, which will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming after the deadline. As of March 1, 2007 all new TVs were required to include a digital tuner. Retailers are allowed to sell analog-only devices from their existing inventory but must provide display a specific consumer alert advising that the TV set is analog.

Another indicator of which format you use is the shape of your set. Older television sets, which are square in shape, are most likely analog. The rectangular TV sets are digital and should have that information printed somewhere on the set.

To make the DTV transition as painless as possible, the federal government is offering two coupons per household, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. These coupons are good for 90 days from the date they are issued. You can apply for the coupons by going to the government website www.dtv2009.govor call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

We recommend that you take action today. The federal government has said from the beginning of this process that there will not be enough converter boxes or coupons for every analog television set still in use.

If you subscribe to Comcast, DirectTV or Dish you do not need to do anything. They have agreed to provide the current level of service to their customers for three years after February, 2009. They can charge you more for HDTV, but have agreed to keep their services at existing prices for now.

What you need to know about the transition to Digital TV:

-- The Digital TV transition is transition from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting.

-- It is not a transition from analog to HDTV.

-- You do not need a HDTV to watch digital TV.

-- There is no such thing as a HDTV antenna.

-- Digital-to Analog tuners cost $50-$75. They come with a remote control and are connected to your antenna and your television set.

-- Merchants may try to sell you equipment you don't need, such as an upgrade to your existing system. Don't be misled. Know what you need and want before you go to purchase the Digital-to-Analog converter box.

-- This DTV transition is a great opportunity for crooks to take advantage of unsuspecting and uninformed consumers.

Scam artists know this upcoming change will affect many, many consumers. They may contact you by telephone or email offering a "great deal" at exorbitant prices, or merely to obtain your personal financial information for later use. Coloradoans are particularly vulnerable because we have one of the highest percentages of home antenna use in the country. The scammers and crooks will be ready to take advantage of consumers any way they can. The more information you have, the better able you will be to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft.

For more information, go to the government website or call the District Attorney's Fraud Hotline, 303-271-6980.