While the national transition to digital television (DTV) takes place on February 17, 2009, Hawaii's full-power television stations are switching early – on January 15, 2009.

If you use a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears to watch TV, you will need to upgrade before January 15 with a converter box, a new digital TV set or a subscription to a pay TV service like cable or satellite, or you will lose TV reception.*

To help offset the cost of converter boxes, the federal government is offering up to two $40 coupons to each household, which can be used toward the purchase of a converter box. Click here to apply for a coupon online, or call 888-DTV-2009 to apply by phone. Coupon processing takes a minimum of three weeks, so apply now.

The benefits of digital are remarkable, with crystal-clear picture and sound quality, free high definition programming for viewers with HD sets, and even more channels in some areas.

But to make the upgrade you need to take action now. Call 888-CALL-FCC to learn more about the switch to digital.

If you live on Kauʻai, please visit LPTVAnswers.com.

* Some low-power television (LPTV) stations are not participating in the switch.