The country's analog to digital TV transition, which was supposed to have occurred earlier this week, was postponed by Congress until June 12 to give people more time to prepare.

When the analog broadcasts vanish from the country's airwaves in June, analog TVs that use rabbit ears or attic or rooftop antennas will be obsolete without a digital converter box.

Analog TVs connected to cable or satellite service will continue to work.

The Goebel Senior Center distributed a lot of information about the conversion, but few were interested because Conejo Valley doesn't get good reception with antennas in the first place, said recreation director Andrea Koval.

Very few channels, she said, come through.

"No one has been up in arms or upset about needing a converter box," Koval said.

Converter boxes cost between $40 and $80.

The government was giving away $40 coupons, which expire after 90 days, toward the price of a converter box, but the program has reached the end of its funding. New applicants will be placed on a waiting list to receive coupons if new funding becomes available.

For information on the coupon program and how to purchase a converter, visit the website www.dtv2009.gov or call toll-free (888) 388-2009.

Those who purchase the box will need an adapter to connect the box to the television unless there's a threaded coaxial cable post on the back of the TV. They may also have to buy a new antenna to get the best picture. Also, it's sometimes difficult to connect a VCR after installing the box.

The good news is that viewers can expect improved picture and sound.

In 2005, Congress mandated Feb. 17, 2009, be the last day for fullpower TV stations to broadcast analog.

Lawmakers wanted to free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for public safety communications and future wireless services.

Someday people may be able to pick up digital broadcasts on the move—in cars, RVs, buses and other vehicles.

Also, stations will be able to offer more broadcast choices because multiple shows can be broadcast digitally using the same space that one analog show takes on the spectrum.

Since 2007, all new televisions were required to have digital tuners or a warning label that they weren't compatible with digital broadcasts.

Owners of analog TVs don't have buy new ones because older models will still work with a converter box.

If they upgrade and want to dispose of their old TV, they can do so by calling G.I. Industries at (818) 782-2474 or their regular rubbish collection provider.

Each T.O. customer is allowed two items picked up two times a year, said customer service representative Amanda Garcia of G.I. Industries.