Once the digital transition has occurred, televisions that only receive free over-the-air analog programming (with a roof-top antenna or "rabbit ears") will no longer receive a signal. At that point, consumers will have three options:

• Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box
• Purchase a digital-ready or HD television
• Switch to cable or satellite service

The digital-to-analog converter box sits on top of the viewer's analog television set and changes the digital signal to an analog format. Televisions that use these converter boxes will be able to display digital broadcasts, but without the full benefits of digital quality. The converter box will also allow consumers to see any additional multicast programming that stations offer.

The best way to enjoy all the benefits of digital TV is to make the move to a digital-ready, LCD television. Because LCDs are optimized for digital media, they're ideal for experiencing everything that digital TV has to offer.

Multicasting allows broadcast stations to offer several channels of digital programming at the same time, using the same amount of spectrum required for one analog program. For example, viewers who tune into channel 4 for news could also get channel 4-1 that broadcasts sports and channel 4-2 that shows movies – all at no additional cost. The transition to digital TV will also allow for additional data services, such as enhanced closed-captioning, that are not possible with analog.