After years of preparation and months of advertising, the digital television transition is upon us. Even though Congress passed a bill postponing the transition until June 12 on Wednesday, WHSV TV3 is moving forward with the long-awaited change on February 17.

The postponement was meant to address concerns that 6.5 million American viewers with older televisions would not be ready by the February deadline. However, stations have the option to make the transition on February 17 or they can wait until the new deadline in June.

WHSV General Manager Tracey Jones says, "Digital is better in every respect. You get so much more on our digital channels, including TV3, The Valley's Fox, MyValley and ABC Winchester."

The new digital signal is stronger and video quality is better than that of analog.

Immediately following ABC's Nightline at 12:05 a.m. February 18, TV3 will broadcast a continuous loop of video, in English and Spanish, repeating what people need to do to receive the digital signal if they have not done so already.

"We understand that not everyone will be transitioned. We want to do everything we can to see that these people are not disenfranchised," says Jones. "I challenge the Fire Department and civic clubs to be trained by our engineers on how to go into the neighborhood to hook up set top boxes for those who are unable to."

If you watch TV3 on cable or satellite, you will not be affected by the transition. However, if you use rabbit ears, or other antennas, you can request a coupon for a digital converter box online at the link below.