Today’s the day: The long-awaited day, at least in broadcast circles. Today, TV goes completely digital.

If you watch any TV at all, you probably already know the details about this transition, but just in case you missed the news, here’s the deal. Today, TVs that receive an analog signal (those that use rabbit ears or antennae to get a signal) will no longer work. If you have a TV in your basement, guest room, etc. that uses rabbit ears and you try to tune in “The Price Is Right” today, you won’t be able to watch. If you have any form of cable or satellite (Charter, Time Warner, Direct TV, etc), you’ll probably be fine. Your TV will still work, although this NPR article notes that some of the analog cable channels will be taken back in order to make room for other services, so some cable customers might notice a few channels disappearing. Still, households that rely entirely on antennae are the ones who need to act right now.

If you use an antenna for your TV signal, there’s still a way to keep your reception: You need a digital converter box. They cost around $45, but the government is offering $40 coupons to be applied toward the cost. Each household can apply for up to two coupons at this coupon program site.

The original digital switch date was four months ago, but the administration pushed the date back in order to give people more time to get the needed equipment after the funding ran out for the converter box vouchers. The airwaves have been bombarded with news and updates about the coming switch, but even with that effort, experts estimate that there are still one million households not ready for the transition. This Associated Press article on Pilot Online notes that many people still do not understand the details of the digital switch, although the article also mentions that the public is far better prepared now for the transition than it was four months ago.

The date will not be pushed back any further, so hold-outs need to get their converter boxes or risk missing the Showcase Showdown. People with additional questions can visit dtvanswers.com to learn more.

For anyone who worries that the new converter boxes and the lack of analog broadcasting somehow means a reduction in personal privacy or security, fear not. The converter boxes are not a way for “Big Brother” to keep tabs on you, nor are they a way to control what you see and hear. A video that went viral a few months ago allegedly showed a man opening up his converter box to show a camera and microphone inside, but the video turned out to be a hoax. Of course, any widespread mandatory action such as this will spark conspiracy theories and tinfoil hats among the most skeptical of the population, but there’s no reason to worry this time around. Save the panic for the next flu strain.

Of course, if you DO want to protect your privacy, sign up for the Privacy Council’s list removal service. The service removes you from marketing lists (which send you junk mail) and puts you on the no-call lists (which means fewer telemarketing calls). Sign up today to start cutting down on these annoyances in your life!