Got rabbit ears on your television set? You have 347 days to pack them away and say goodbye. On Feb. 17, 2009, all television stations in the United States will officially switch from analog to digital broadcasting. For some, this means changes will need to be made in order to continue watching television.

-- LaTina Emerson, staff writer

WHAT IS DIGITAL TELEVISION?

Digital television enables broadcasters to offer better picture and sound quality. All TV stations air digital programming, but they'll make the full transition in 2009.

WHY THE SWITCH?

To allow the broadcast spectrum to be used for other important services, such as public safety and advanced wireless services.

BUYING A NEW TV?

All televisions made after March 1, 2007, are required to have a digital tuner.

However, retailers may continue selling analog TVs from existing inventory, meaning consumers could purchase a set not prepared for the switch to digital.

The FCC is requiring retailers to post notices letting consumers know whether the TVs they sell will require a digital-to-analog converter box.

For more information, visit www.dtv.gov or call (888) 225-5322.

USING ANTENNA?

If you have an analog television that relies on antennas (including outside antennas and "rabbit ears"), you will need to buy a separate digital-to-analog converter box.

The converter boxes can be purchased at major retail stores for about $50 to $70. You will need one for each television set.

You can request up to two $40 coupons to assist with the purchases through March 31, 2009, by calling (888) 388-2009 or going online to www.dtv2009.gov.

The coupons expire in 90 days.

USING CABLE OR SATELLITE?

About 75 percent of televisions in the Augusta-area market get reception from television or satellite.

Customers who receive digital cable through Comcast, Knology, and Atlantic Broadband (G-Force), the largest cable providers in the market, will not need to make any changes in order to receive digital programming.

Customers who receive analog cable service (without a cable set-top box) may continue to do so at least until 2012.

Customers who receive programming through satellite providers will not have to make any changes.

IS DIGITAL THE SAME AS HDTV?

No. High-definition TV, or HDTV, is only one format of digital TV. It provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all broadcast forms.

Sources: WRDW-TV (Channel 12); Federal Communications Commission; Comcast; Knology; Atlantic Broadband and Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association.