Digital television conversion is coming to a set near you

In less than a month the biggest change in television history will be happening across the country.

Are you ready?

Digital television is coming to the TV set in your living room.

John Goodyear has been selling audio and television equipment to Southeast Texans fore more then 20 years.

He says the type of change coming to the airwaves in February is something we've never experienced.

"This is the first major change in TV technology since the 20's. We've been upgrading old analog technology since then," says John Goodyear.

Digital technology promises sharper pictures, better sound and a higher resolution to viewers, but when it becomes the only game in town, or the nation, will everyone be ready?

"I suspect there are people who are currently able to receive analog signals with roof top antennas and analog tv sets that when the switch to UHF antenna and get a converter box or a new TV, won't get a digital signal," says Larry Beaulieu.

KFDM General Manager Larry Beaulieu says some viewers in the outer reaches of the viewing area, including upper Jasper, Newton and Tyler counties, may be left behind.

"Digital signal is quite unusual. Either you get it, or you don't.  You won't get a snowy picture like you used to in the old days with an analog signal," says Beaulieu.

"Certainly even for $50 to get your analog TV to receive a digital signal, it's still a pretty good value," says Goodyear.

In February the button will be pushed and you'll no longer be able to see an analog signal. But for years television stations across the country, including KFDM, have been broadcasting a second signal in digital.

"People shouldn't wait until February 17th to try to get a digital signal, go ahead and try to do that now," says Beaulieu.

So your TV won't be left behind when the new wave of digital programming hits the air.

If you have more questions about the DTV Conversion, click here.