As technology moves forward, it sometimes brings confusion and even anxiety. But there have been few advances that have sparked as much concern as the upcoming change in television signals.

What once was called the “idiot box” by some, television has become indispensable in the lives of many Americans. That is especially true in an area like Mercer County, which has a heavy concentration of senior citizens who enjoy their TV shows.

So obviously, anything that might threaten viewing certainly creates concern. In fact, not since the Y2K scare at the change of the millennium have people so overreacted to fears of technology.

But as a front-page story in The Herald explained Wednesday about the shift from the old analog system to digital, there really is little to fear. Well, little to fear as long as you can obtain a converter box by midnight Feb. 17 when the changeover occurs.

First of all — and probably most important to viewers on low incomes — you don’t have to rush out and buy a new TV. When the changeover was first announced more than a year ago, it was perceived by many that their old analog TVs would no long function.

Then again, that may have been what television makers wanted people to think. In fact, some people actually bought new digital TVs because of that perception.

However, in today’s modern world of communication, most homes receive their television shows through cable or satellite. Even with older TVs, you will still get your signals without a problem.

The only people who need to confront the changeover head-on are people who still watch old analog TVs and get their signal through antennas — either the large roof antennas or the once common “rabbit ears” that sit on top your set.

If you have that combination, you will need a converter box to receive the new signals which supposedly will improve picture and sound quality.

And you will be able to obtain those boxes either free or relatively cheaply because of government assistance. Congress created a TV Converter Box Coupon Program, which allows people to apply for up to two $40 coupons. Most boxes cost in the $60 to $70 range. They are available at most stores that carry electronics and they also can be obtained on-line.

Many stores in this area are currently out of the converters, but more are expected in. They should be available long before the Feb. 17 changeover. The one problem, however, is that the coupons are only good for 90 days. So start shopping when the coupon arrives.

Then again, using the converter boxes may be more of a hassle than you wish to endure when watching television. So the better course of action might be to remind your family members to keep their eyes on ads in The Herald because a new digital TV would make a dandy Christmas present.

To apply for coupons to purchase converter boxes, call 888-DTV-2009 or visit www.div2009.gov.