COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a little over one year, television signals nationwide will switch from analog to digital.

Beginning February 17, 2009, older analog TVs that use antennas will only work with a special converter box, NBC 4's Ben Gelber reported.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is helping residents prepare for the big switchover by providing $40 coupons to help pay for the box. However, the boxes will cost between $50 and $150.

Some local retailers are concerned about high definition (HD) television supplies next holiday season as we get closer to the February, 2009 changeover.

"The converter boxes will be available after mid-February (2008), but no retailers are going to have them out there until the coupons are sent out," Dwight Robinson, a local retailer, explained.

"They're really simple to hook up," he continued. "It's the future, things are moving on…"

By adding a digital converter box, residents can keep their antenna. For those that already have cable or satellite TV, no additional equipment will be necessary.

Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.

For additional information on digital and high definition television, please click here for NBC 4's HD FAQ page.