If you've procrastinated when it comes to a decision on digital TV and have lost your signal on your old analog television, you have some quick decisions to make.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, there are three main options for consumers with older TVs. They must either purchase a digital converter box, be connected to a cable or satellite service or by a new digital-ready TV.

New Television Sets

The government has mandated that by March 1, 2005, all televisions had to include digital tuners so any newly purchased television will be digital-ready. Buying a new TV may be the most expensive option, but it is not a necessary one.

Digital Converter Box

Consumers who use antennas or "rabbit ears," including outside antennas, on an analog TV will have to purchase a digital converter box. The box converts the analog signal to a digital signal.

The box will display the digital broadcast but not in its original digital quality. So it will be good viewing quality but not the best it could be. This is, however, the most inexpensive DTV transition option.

Once you have a converter box, you must install it, a simple process that includes plugging in several wires and cords. The FCC has provided instructions for the installation here. Please remember to unplug the television before setting up the converter box.

You will also need an antenna to receive the new digital signal. In general, the same type of antenna that gives you good quality analog TV signals now will also provide reliable DTV reception.

After the transition, you will also have to rescan as some stations changed signals as part of the switch to digital. Instructions on how to rescan your digital-ready TV or converter box can be found in the equipment's manual.

Cable, Satellite Ready

Consumers who subscribe to cable services should not be affected by the transition. As long as the consumer has the cable set-up box, which is different from a digital converter box, the cable service should not be affected by the transition, according to the FCC.

Cable companies are not required by the government to switch to digital service.

For more information of the digital television transition check out www.dtv.gov.