McALLEN -- If you're still not ready for the switch to digital television, expect a reminder today during the evening news.

At 5:22 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. Rio Grande Valley television stations will shut off their analog signals and broadcast in digital for five minutes.

If you use an antennae to watch an old TV and don't have a set-top converter box, instructions on how to prepare for the looming transition will temporarily replace the scheduled show, according to the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

On Feb. 17, broadcasters will switch to transmitting exclusively in a digital format, eliminating the current analog system. Those who have cable or satellite TV will not be affected.

New televisions should be fine, but old TVs will need a DTV converter. The government is offering $40 coupons toward the cost of the box - two per household.

Congress mandated the switch to digital to free up space in the broadcast spectrum for emergency services.

For a DTV converter box coupon, call (888) DTV-2009.

Stations:

KGBT - Channel 4 CBS

KMBH - Channel 60 PBS

KNVO - Channel 48 Univision

KRGV - Channel 5 ABC

KTLM - Channel 40 Telemundo

KVEO -  Channel 23 ABC

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Sean Gaffney covers business, the economy and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4434.