Free TV converter program

You've probably heard that at midnight on February 17, 2009, television stations will stop broadcasting in analog and start broadcasting in digital. Translation: your old tube won't work - unless you get a converter box, which cost about $50 or $60.

Thanks to Congress you can defray most of the cost of a converter box with a $40 voucher. Get the voucher here. If you have multiple TVs you can get two coupons.

Getting the coupon will require me to jump through a bunch of hoops, you're probably thinking. Hubby says it's actually really easy and did it in about 10 minutes. You fill out the form, give them your address and answer a few questions about your TV. They send you a form in a few weeks and it's good at stores that accept the coupon.

The idea is that digital broadcasting will provide a "clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders," the converter program site says.

Do you need a converter box? "A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program," the site says. If you don't want to get the converter box you can buy cable, satellite or other pay service, or purchase a digital TV.

Caveats: not all sellers of converter boxes accept the coupons but many national chain stores do, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, and Sears. Find a retailer here.