The United States will transition to digital TV in one year. The Government is handing out $40 coupons to purchase digital converter boxes.

I assume that all I4U News readers have no issue with the transition. Many of you might already have a new flatscreen TV with integrated ATSC tuner. Others anyway get their programming from digital cable or satellite. At least you know how to get a universal remote control and program it.

The digital transition has already happened in some areas of Germany and Austria, and it is hardest for people who are not so versed in technology. But they are the ones who watch terrestrial TV.
They have watched TV on a tube TV for 15 years and are used to one remote.
Now in one year their TV will go dark unless they get this magic box and a 2nd remote control. The digital era actually makes watching TV more difficult and it will take years until any TV will have an ATSC tuner inside to get back to the simplicity as it is today. So do not forget to help your granny early enough with her new digital future.

You can apply for the $40 coupon for a DTV converter at the DTV-2009 site. EngadgetHD has a nice guide on all things related to the digital TV transition.