DR Ron Pulliam - I meant to mention this yesterday since a friend's mother had the same questions...
TV signals in early 2009 will be going "Digital". They will not be going "High-Def". Although, "High-Def" transmissions are transmitted digitally. There will still be some non-High-Def programming being transmitted, but instead of being transmitted analogically (?), it will be transmitted digitally. Most cable systems utilize cable boxes that can receive and "translate" digital signals. However, for any one out there who does not have cable - or a cable box - they will need to procure a converter box in order for them to view the digital transmissions (on their non-High-Def, or otherwise, television sets.