Analog television service has long been the traditional method of transmitting television signals. In fact, analog transmission has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television. Here's how it works:

However, analog is not efficient; it uses up valuable spectrum and TV stations can only transmit one channel of programming with an analog signal versus up to four or more programs with a digital signal in the same amount of spectrum. Analog is also susceptible to interference and "snow" that make a picture less clear.

This is why tpt is very excited about the transition to digital television (DTV), which will allow us to bring viewers even more outstanding programming, as well as offer better sound and picture quality.

In order to receive this new signal, you may need additional equipment. But don't worry, you do not need to get a new TV or subscribe to a paid service (cable or satellite) to get DTV. If you want to continue to use your old analog TV, adding a converter box is the only thing you may need. To help with the cost, the government will issue each household two-$40 coupons to put towards the purchase of the converter boxes.

The digital to analog converter box goes between your antenna and your analog television.