The federal government is offering a program that allows the public to buy converter boxes that will allow an analog television set to display digital programming.

The program runs from Jan. 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.

More information:

• www.dtv2009.gov
• 24-hour hot line at 888-DTV-2009 or 888-388-2009
• Applications may be mailed to: P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000

The government will begin distributing coupons on Feb. 17, 2008, one year before the transition takes effect.

At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to digital broadcasting.

Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders, the government says.