All TV stations officially convert to digital-only broadcasting today as the federal government officially signals the end of all analog programming. With the conversion, you now have more channels to choose from, plus great pictures and sound.

You should still be able to watch TV on your current set over the air with an antenna. You should not need to buy a new TV or subscribe to cable or satellite.

Steps you may need to take

If you currently subscribe to cable or satellite, you won't need to worry about the switch.

Other television sets will not receive a television signal anymore because of the switchover. To keep getting a signal from your older television set, you will need a digital converter box.

Newer TV sets may already have a digital tuner built in. You don't have to wait for the digital conversion. You can start receiving digital quality picture and sound and additional channels now without having to sign up for cable or satellite.

Need help?
As the analog TV shut-down has finally arrived, there are two new free services available to help those who have not yet installed their DTV converters or the antenna needed to receive all local DTV stations. These services have received federal grant funds to help out those who are still unconverted and who watch TV over-the-air. If you know someone who is experiencing difficulty with the DTV conversion, please let them know about these services.

STRAC (South Texas Resource and Assistance Center) received a grant from the FCC for both basic and expert installations.

·         To set up an appointment, please call: 830-393-7888 or 1-866-999-3435
Hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

·         Operators are bilingual (Spanish and English)

·         Offices are located throughout the area, including Laredo

INSTALLS, Inc. also received a grant from the FCC for both basic and expert installations.

·         Viewers can set up an appointment through 1-800-582-4250 or https://dtvhelp.installs.com
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week

·         Can assist viewers in both Spanish and English

Discount for new digital converter box
You can apply for a government $40 discount coupon for a new digital converter box.  Call 1-888-388-2009 or go to www.dtv2009.gov. There is a limit of two per household.  If you already have a coupon, but it is expired, you can also apply for replacements at www.dtv2009.gov.