Ask Sid: Digital TV

Q. Do I need to buy a new TV for the switch to digital?

No, but if you have an older analog TV hooked to rabbit ears or an outdoor antenna, you’ll need a converter box when digital-only broadcasting begins Feb. 17. Every household can get coupons worth $40 each to apply to the cost of converter boxes for two TVs.

To get coupons, go to http://www.dtv 2009.gov or call 1-888-225-5322 toll-free by March 31. If you have cable or satellite service or a newer digital TV, you probably won’t need to make any changes.

For more, go to aarp.org/money/wise_consumer/smartshopping/digital_tv.html.

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Send queries to Ask Sid, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 or go to bulletin.aarp.org/article_shorts/ask_sid_email_form/. We regret we can’t answer them all.