Once, as if by magic, we captured invisible signals through the air. We knew these signals must be charmed -- they allowed a radio to emit voices and music, and a television to broadcast moving pictures into our living rooms, as though a spell had been cast.

We fiddled with V-shaped, telescoping contraptions called rabbit ears, built bigger and fancier antennas to appease the sorcerers. Still, reception was spotty at times. We watched it "snow" on our TV screen, long before the Weather Channel.

Now, the end of that primitive age is imminent. Cue the setting sun to sizzle into the sea in a scene from a Looney Tunes cartoon.

Rabbit ears and TV aerials will become mostly memories, like a Jackson's Bakery truck delivering bread and doughnuts door-to-door, a telephone with a circular dial, film for a camera.

Let's face it. The digital wave can't be stopped.

But really, it is time to go. The old-fashioned way is clumsy, cluttered, a polar opposite to the ordered, digital world, where life is required to unfold in rigid mathematical precision.

After all, "over the air" TV signals take up too much space. Yes, gridlock can even hit the atmosphere -- the seemingly vast airwaves are getting crowded these days.

The upcoming change in the TV signal we receive, from analogue to digital, will usher out most of what's left of the old-school TV reception.

Even though the change doesn't affect most of us directly, some consumers see the impending change as yet another assault by ever-changing technology.

The result for many is a gnawing worry, underlining the fact that for all our smarts, many still grapple with even the most basic technology: We don't really know how the magic works, do we? If you're waiting for the government to offer some clarity, don't hold your breath.

Pat Kiely, director of business operations at Mountain Cablevision, says in the digital and cable world, things aren't always straightforward for consumers.

"It's a confusing world, and there are a lot of confusing messages in it."

Now, with regular notices every night on U.S. channels about the change to digital, we're starting to ask questions.

"It has been hovering for some time now. However, with the Americans switching, Canadians are starting to inquire," said Neil Fortis, marketing manager for East Hamilton Radio.

Of course, the TV notices coincide with the Christmas season, when many hope to find a new flat screen under the tree -- if it will fit.

Will this change have any impact on the type of TV we hope Santa will bring?

The good news is that most of us left for the world of cable and satellite long ago, and won't notice much of a change at all. Nine out of 10 Canadians get TV service from cable providers or satellite.

But if you rely on rabbit ears or an antenna or have analogue cable from the wall directly into the set, that's another matter.

Here are some questions and answers to help address the issues:

What's happening?

The U.S. has decreed that analogue transmission of TV signals will end Feb. 17, 2009, and become digital. This affects OTA (over-the-air) broadcasts only; it does not directly affect service providers such as satellite or cable. Satellite has always been digital anyway, while cable is currently analogue and digital. In Canada, the changeover to digital is Aug. 31, 2011.

After Aug. 31, 2011, all analogue TVs will require a converter box in order to receive Canadian over-the-air broadcasts using an antenna. Canadians using satellite or digital cable services should see no change.

Canadians using a conventional (analogue) television to receive over-the-air broadcast signals from the U.S. will require a set-top converter box to continue to do so after Feb. 17, 2009. However, all Canadians will continue to receive Canadian over-the-air broadcast signals with a conventional (analogue) television until 2011.

How do I know if I have an analogue or digital TV?

Check your television set to identify whether you have an analogue or a digital tuner. Look at the owner's manual or contact the retailer. However, the manual may not use the terms "digital tuner" or "analogue tuner." A digital tuner could also be listed as "ATSC tuner"; an analogue tuner may be listed as "NTSC tuner." Sets with an analogue tuner will no longer receive over-the-air television after the transition without a set-top converter box.

Why the change?

Digital TV (DTV) is a more flexible and "spectrum-efficient" technology -- it uses less space -- than analogue TV.DTV also allows a broadcaster to provide a high-definition (HDTV) program or multiple DTV programs instead of a single analogue program. "Since digital television is more spectrum-efficient than analogue television, conversion to digital will free up parts of valuable airwaves for other important services, such as advanced wireless and public safety services ..."says Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs.

Who will be affected?

"Canada is such a cabled country that it will be imperceptible. We have been 100 per cent digital in our lineup at Mountain Cablevision for four years. The consumer who has been enjoying cable television in Hamilton will see little if any change at all," said Kiely. "We'll take care of receipt of the signal, and they (subscribers) have literally nothing to do.

"The only impact that the conversion will have in Canada is on people who rely on an off-air antenna, or rabbit ears, to receive television signals.

"At that point the traditional method of grabbing a signal from the air won't work. You're going to need a digital converter of some type in order to receive the signal and then transfer it back to analogue."

(Eventually, you will need a converter box if you are an analogue cable subscriber and connect the cable wire directly into your TV.)

Fortis said although cable is not directly affected, many cable companies are reducing the number of channels available in analogue, moving channels to the digital tier. This frees up bandwidth for video on demand, pay per view and HD.

What is the difference between digital and analogue TV?

Digital broadcasting is capable of significantly increased resolution of images, and provides for better quality multichannel sound.DTV also allows for more channels to be delivered, and supports HDTV.

Is digital the same as high- definition (HD?)

No. HDTV is one of the formats of DTV. The common formats of DTV are Standard Definition Television (SDTV), Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV) and High Definition Television (HDTV).

What if I'm buying a TV?

Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs urges you to do your research, and talk to TV retailers.

Remember that "Digital or HD Ready" and "Digital or HD Compatible" does not mean that the television includes a digital (ATSC) tuner. You will still need to purchase or rent a digital set-top box to view digital or high-definition television.

If you choose to purchase a set with an integrated tuner, look for a set with a digital (ATSC) tuner. If you want to receive HDTV, find out what equipment you need to do so. For example, to view HDTV via cable or satellite you will need to get an HD set-top-box from your provider.

What if I need a converter box?

The set-top converter boxes should be available in 2009 and in most retail stores by 2011, when they are expected to cost less than $100.

See: consumerinformation.ca

blawson@thespec.com

905-526-2463