PHOTO BY GABE WOLF Television viewers who get free analog transmission through an antenna will not receive programming after Feb. 17, 2009, unless they convert their TVs to receive a digital signal. Options include signing up for cable or satellite service, buying a TV with a digital tuner or purchasing a digital conversion box. Analog television service will end at midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, but most Lampasas residents will not need to worry about receiving a signal.

Congress has mandated the conversion from analog to digital broadcasting to improve transmission quality and create more space on the airwaves for public safety officials to provide emergency communications.

Viewers who already pay for television service will not need to change anything to continue receiving programming.

"Everything we have we're already receiving as a digital signal," said Tim Eilers, a broadband technician for Suddenlink Communications.

"Nobody will have to do anything as long as they're hooked up to cable."

Viewers who receive free television programming by using an antenna can connect to cable or satellite service, buy a TV with a digital tuner or keep their existing analog TVs and purchase a digital converter box for each one.

Most TVs sold before 1998 -- as well as many big-screen projection TVs sold between 1998 and 2004 -- do not have built-in digital tuners.

Converter boxes, which sell for $40 to $70 in most electronics retail stores, plug into a television, either at the front or back. Consumers can install converter boxes themselves and still will need an antenna for each analog TV.

The TV Converter Box Coupon Program established by Congress allows each American household to obtain two coupons, each worth $40, to apply toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

Boxes must meet technical and performance standards set by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. A list of eligible make and model numbers for purchase with the coupon is available at www.dtv2009.gov.

Consumers may apply for coupons through March 31, 2009, by calling (888) DTV-2009, by visiting dtv2009.gov or by mailing an application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. TV viewers also may fax a coupon application to (877) 388-4632.

Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed.