Many consumers are confused by the coming digital TV transition. Much of what they are learning is just plain wrong and could end up costing them money. The Erickson Tribune has been covering this topic, but when my mom asked what she needed to do not to be left out when the signals switch over, I knew it was time to address it again.

Pay attention, or it could cost you
According to a Consumers Union survey, some people think they need to buy new equipment when they don’t, and others say they don’t plan on taking any  steps to deal with the change when they should. If consumers are confused about the digital TV transition, it may cost them a lot of money for equipment they may not want or need.

Starting February 18, 2009, full-power TV stations in the U.S. will turn off their old-technology analog signals and broadcast only in a digital format, potentially leaving millions of TVs displaying nothing but snow.

Most consumers—anyone whose TV is hooked up to a cable or satellite service or owns a digital set now—will not be affected.  But anyone who owns an older TV that gets its signal via antenna will need a converter box, which the government will help pay for through a coupon program.

As of December 2007, the Nielsen Co. reported that 13.5 million TV households, or about 12%, rely on over-the-air television broadcasts for programming.

What do you need to do?
If you’re one of the 82% who get your TV programming from a cable or  aatellite company or already own a digital TV, then you don’t need to do anything. If, however, you are in the 12% minority, read on. If you receive over-the-air broadcasts, you have three choices:

■ Purchase a new TV with digital tuner

■ Subscribe to a cable or satellite service

■ Purchase a digital converter box