All TV stations will broadcast only in digital starting Feb. 17, 2009. If you’re reading this, you probably don’t need an analog-to-digital converter box for your TV, but your parents or grandparents or elderly friends who still rely on rabbit ears or rooftop antennas do. And they may not even know it (a January report said 36 percent of all Americans - predominately Hispanics - didn’t know about this impending change). Another report earlier this year said there are a little more than 14 million households - 13 percent of all households with TVs - that will lose their signals if they don’t buy the boxes (which cost from $40 to $70). The government’s TV converter box coupon program Web site answers most all questions, but that doesn’t help if the person doesn’t have a computer. You can help them apply for two free coupons worth $40 each at the Web site, or they can call (888) 388-2009. or mail an application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, Ore. 97208-2000 (download the application here.) The coupons must come from the government, not retailers. The coupons (which look like plastic gift cards) expire 90 days after they’re mailed. Don’t assume all retailers will accept the $40 cards, so check first. More information is available from the Federal Trade Commission. Some words of caution: retailers are not allowed to charge tax on the government-funded portion of the boxes (the $40 coupon). Also, do not toss the antennas: They can still augment the signal. A Washington Post story several months ago warns of the “digital cliff” - digital signals are more easily interrupted and lost because of hills, trees and weather. The government site lists all the retailers (big box, online and telephone) who sell the boxes, but we found some discrepancies. A visit to BestBuy.com offers information, but they don’t sell the boxes online: you have to go to a store. This page shows you the three kinds they sell, at $60 each. Sears.com has a box on their Web site about the change, but clicking it takes you to the FCC site, and it appears Sears doesn’t sell the boxes (despite the government site saying they do). Target.com has one type that must be purchased in stores for $50.