Congress recently passed the DTV Delay Act, which extends the deadline for full-power broadcast TV stations to complete the DTV transition from February 17, 2009, to June 12, 2009. The new law allows more time for consumers to be prepared for the DTV transition. However, Congress did not require stations to continue broadcasting in analog after February 17th, and stations may choose to complete their transition, and stop broadcasting in analog, before June 12th.

While this switch in technology seeks to offer greater benefits to the American public in the long run -- with improved image quality, enhanced capabilities, the use of old analog signals for first responders, emergency agencies, and wireless consumer services -- the immediate hurdle is ensuring that the 13 million Americans who depend on over the air broadcasting clear the transition smoothly.

The following sections will help you determine if you will be affected by the digital television transition on and explore what options/resources are available to you.