TV viewers are scratching their heads. With just eight months until all TV stations in the nation turn off their analog signals and to all digital, some TV watchers are wondering why and what does it mean for them.

Going digital is the first major improvement in your TV picture since color.

February 17th of next year is the D-day. But, a new survey out from electronics giant Best Buy reveals 54 percent of viewers don't understand why it's happening. They still have many questions.

"One, why the DTV boxes are going to be needed and two why the switch is being made in the first place" said Brandon Frank a customer service representative for Best Buy in Beaverton.

The boxes are needed to convert the new digital signal back to analog for those folks still receiving their signal over-the-air. The government is mandating the switch to digital in order to free up the analog spectrum that will be used for public safety communications including police, fire and other government agencies.

"It's really something they've never had to address" said DJ Wilson, President and General Manager for KGW Media Group Portland. Wilson says about 20 percent, or about 300,000 households in the Portland metro area receive tv over-the air.

"They can certainly go out an by a new digital TV, they don't need to do that.They can subscribe to a cable or satellite service, they perhaps don't need to do that, but then they would have to get a converter box" said Wilson.

The federal government is helping defray the cost of the converter boxes. Every consumer is eligible for up to two $40 coupons.

The coupons must be used within 90 days of receipt.

"I applied for one of these" said Alison Utzinger. Her TV in her bedroom is analog. Her final cost will be just about $20. Alison has done her homework. "You're supposed to get a better picture".

Experts suggest buying only government approved boxes. One recent newspaper ad claims they'll send you a free converter box without using a coupon, but looking closely reveals it will coat cost $59 plus shipping to purchase a a five year warranty.

For Alison with her coupon in hand, she's not taking any chances her TV won't get the picture.