By HEATHER BAUGHMAN

baughman@crescent-news.com

It looks like a gift card, it acts like a gift card, but not everyone will want, or need, one. In February, the U.S. Department of Commerce started mailing $40 coupons as part of the Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information's TV Converter Box Coupon Program.

In less than a year, on Feb. 17, 2009, television stations will cease to broadcast in analog and switch to a digital format, per the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. When the conversion begins, some television watchers may discover that they only receive the "snow" channel -- unless they take proper measures ahead of time.

Tom Bauer, a sales associate at Sears in Defiance, said he has seen a "decent amount of people coming in to check out the converter boxes." Along with the curiosity about the devices, Bauer also said that "there is a lot of confusion. I have to set a lot of people straight," he said. "A lot of people don't really understand the whole deal.

"They think that when they get the box, their (television) picture will be amazing."

In fact, that is not the case. Though all broadcasts as of Feb. 17, 2009, will be digital, that does not mean everyone will be viewing television in high-definition.

"If you want high-definition (viewing), you need a high-definition TV," Bauer said.

"People associate digital (broadcasting) with high-definition. They're not the same thing."

In fact, only televisions that are manufactured as high-definition televisions (commonly known as HDTV) will display the quality that comes with a high-definition broadcast.

So the answer remains: Who needs a converter box?

Basically, "anybody with a TV that doesn't have a digital tuner," Bauer said. Television sets with the acronym "NTSC" on them receive analog signals and will need a box. Televisions with the acronym "ATSC" on them receive digital signals and will not need any additional equipment.

Too, people who have satellite service or cable service should not need a converter box.

Those who will need to invest in a converter box, which costs $50-$70 before the government-issued coupon is applied, are people with an analog television set who receive standard television with the assistance of an antenna.

For people still concerned about their options, they can visit the website, www.dtvtransition.org, to take an online DTV quiz.

People who will need to purchase a converter box can apply online at www.dtv2009.gov/applycoupon.aspx for a $40 coupon. Up to two coupons will be issued per household, while supplies last. Coupons will expire 90 days after the date they are mailed.

With a coupon in hand, people can purchase boxes at various retailers, such as Best Buy, RadioShack and Wal-Mart.

A list of eligible converters and nearby participating retailers will be mailed along with the coupon.

In Defiance, the boxes are currently available at RadioShack, Wal-Mart and Meijer.