More than 90 percent of TV stations in the U.S. already offer digital over-the-air broadcasts as well as analog transmissions, so there’s no need to wait until June 12—the official DTV transition date—to start watching digital TV. However, some digital broadcasts won't be at full power until stations discontinue analog feeds next month, so you might not be able to pull in all those digital stations just yet. Don't despair—once digital broadcasts go to full power, you have a better chance of getting those channels.

Case in point: In the New York area, PBS stations WLIW21 and will broadcast both analog and digital signals until June 12. After that date, they plan to redirect all their power to the digital broadcasts, which will move to a new channel number (Although the FCC hasn't yet approved their request for a power increase). At that point, viewers must re-scan for channels. (Watch our video, How to set up your DTV converter box, for more help.)

The same may apply to stations in your area. The bottom line is: Scan for digital channels now and re-scan on June 12 and 13 (and periodically after that date). Some stations will have changed frequencies, and others may be stronger and easier to get.

You can check your local stations' Web site or phone them to find out about their transmissions. To get the phone number for your local stations, visit this FCC Web site and click on "Channel Lookup." —Eileen McCooey