Elon, N.C. — Students at Elon University will man a phone bank Thursday to take questions digital television. The phone bank will operate in conjunction with a test by broadcasters to help viewers determine if their TV is digital ready.

On Feb. 17, stations across the country will cease broadcasting in analog and will send only a digital signal. Viewers who lack the proper equipment will lose access to their favorite stations.

To prevent confusion, broadcasters are testing the digital switch in advance, so that viewers can know whether they are prepared. On Thursday at 6:25 p.m., digital-ready TVs will show normal programming while TVs that are not ready will show a message about the transition.

A toll-free number will be included in that message for the public to call with questions. Elon students will address caller questions and suggest ways for people to prepare for the Feb. 17 switch.

In short, anyone who gets a television signal from a cable or satellite provider should get digital programming seamlessly starting Feb. 17. TVs with a built-in digital tuner are ready as well.

Older TVs and those which use an antenna for television service will require a converter to see the new signals.