New Mexico has many free, over-the-air television stations. The signal for most of these stations originates from Albuquerque. These stations include the Fox affiliate KASA-TV, the UPN Affiliate KASY-TV, KAZQ-TV, the Univision affiliate KLUZ-TV, the PBS -affiliate KNME-TV, the ABC affiliate KOAT-TV, the NBC affiliate KOB-TV, the CBS affiliate KRQE-TV, the Telefutura affiliates KTFA-TV and KTFQ-TV, and the CW affiliate KWBQ-TV.

Stations outside of Albuquerque that will also be making the switch to digital on February 19, 2009 include KBIM-TV (Roswell), KENW-TV (Portales), KOBF-TV (Farmington), KOBR-TV (Roswell), KREZ-TV (Durango, Co), KRWG-TV (Las Cruces), and KVBA-TV (Alamogordo).

To make sure you're ready for the digital transition, consumers need to check two things: their television sets and how they get their signal.

No matter how old your TV is, it may not have a digital tuner. To check whether your TV set can receive digital signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television System Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's website and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

If your set has an analog tuner, then you can do one of three things to convert to digital:

• DTV converter box - Consumers can purchase a DTV converter box that plugs into an existing analog TV set. A converter box will enable you to continue to use your set and receive free, over-the-air broadcasts. These converter boxes (also known as a set-top box) will be available for purchase in early 2008. Consumers can order a $40 coupon from the federal government that may be used toward the purchase of one of these boxes.
  
• Paid Service - Subscribers of cable (i.e, Comcast) or satellite (i.e, DISH or DirectTV) service provider who have analog TV sets may receive a converter box from their service provider. Consumers should contact their service provider to see if a converter will be provided. Otherwise, a converter box will need to be purchased.
  
• Go Digital - Consumers may simply want to jump on the digital bandwagon and purchase a new television set with a digital tuner in order to receive all the free, over-the-air digital signals. Please note: some electronics outlets are still selling analog sets. ASK FOR DIGITAL.

If you know your set has a digital tuner, you will be able to receive all digital signals that are available in your area. Check "What happens where I live?" link to understand what's happening in your community.

Still have questions? Contact the NMBA offices at 881-4444 in Albuquerque or statewide toll-free (800) 622-24143 or visit DTVanswers.com.