The American television industry is approaching a historic moment; on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, the nation’s television broadcasters will complete their transition to an all-digital format. Digital Television (DTV) is a newer, more efficient broadcast technology that offers viewers dramatically clearer pictures and better sound than the traditional analog system.

This landmark change will affect millions of households that only receive over-the-air signals, as well as those that have secondary over-the-air TV sets in their bedrooms and/or kitchens. Viewers who do not subscribe to a paid cable or satellite service and do not have a digital tuner inside their television sets will need to prepare for the arrival of DTV in order to continue watching TV after the transition. These individuals have three options:

a.) Purchase a DTV converter box for their existing set ($40 government-sponsored coupons are available to help offset the cost, and each household is eligible for two)

b.) Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay TV service

c.) Purchase a TV set with a built-in digital tuner

Will you or a loved one be affected by the switch to DTV? If the answer to this question is yes — have you taken the necessary steps to prepare for DTV’s arrival in early ‘09? If you haven’t, there’s no need to fret, because help is on the way!

As part of WFYI Public Television’s pledge to provide viewers with relevant information and trusted advice about the transition to digital television, the station will present Get Ready for Digital TV on Thursday, December 18, at 8 pm. The broadcast will combine a series of informative “how-to” segments hosted by This Old House’s Norm Abram and Kevin O’Connor, with a collection of timely DTV questions and conundrums submitted by Central Indiana viewers. Lloyd Wright, President and CEO of WFYI Public Broadcasting, will anchor the hour-long special from WFYI’s television studios. He’ll be accompanied by a team of experts, including a representative from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Richard Miles, WFYI’s Vice Programming of Television Programming; and Steve Jensen, WFYI’s Vice President of Broadcast Operations.

In advance of the December 18 broadcast, local viewers can submit their questions to the station at wfyi.org/dtv or by calling (317) 636-2020. You can also learn more about DTV online by visiting wfyi.org/dtvFAQ.