Flat-screen TVs like these are among the array of choices facing buyers. But on Feb. 17, 2009, broadcasters must turn off over-the-air analog signals in favor of digital technology, making things more complex.

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HACKENSACK, N.J. — It used to be a question of brand: Sony? Zenith? Panasonic?

And size: 20-inch? 27? And if you were really flush and wanted to impress your neighbors, a 32-inch color set.

But walk into any electronics store these days and prepare to be overwhelmed.

We're talking flat-screen, wide-screen, flat-panel, rear-projection, high-definition, micro-display, 40-inch LCD, 65-inch plasma — and the list goes on.

The choices are dizzying and soon will become more so.

Earlier this year, Congress set a deadline of Feb. 17, 2009, for broadcasters to turn off over-the-air analog TV signals. Instead of the magnetic waves used for decades, TV stations will switch to an all-digital broadcast.

Most of us with cable or satellite subscriptions aren't likely to be affected, but millions of Americans who get their TV signal over the air using an antenna with an older-model TV will need to buy an analog-to-digital converter box — or buy a new digital TV.

By this time next year, every new TV set sold must contain a built-in digital tuner, eliminating the need to buy a converter box.

Seeking advice from a variety of sources — consumer groups, tech Web sites and retailers — we set out to determine the most frequently asked questions that may help consumers navigate the path to a new TV.

Q: What's the difference between digital TV and HDTV?

A: Digital TV refers to a television that can accept a digital signal. HDTV, or high-definition TV, is the sharpest, highest-quality form of digital television.

Q: Will my older model analog TV work after Feb. 17, 2009?

A: Yes, if you are a cable or satellite subscriber, or you buy a digital-to-analog converter box, which electronics manufacturers are currently developing.

Q: Will I be forced to switch to my cable company's digital service in 2009?

Probably not. Some cable companies say they won't force customers to upgrade to digital and pay extra. But others say it's too early to tell what's going to happen. If you are an analog cable customer with an analog TV, you may have to get a converter box from your cable company so your TV can display the digital signal.

Q: How do I tell if my TV is analog or digital?

Generally speaking, most new models are digital. One way to tell is if the screen has a so-called aspect ratio of 16x9 — that is, a wide screen. Then it's digital. Although, TV experts say, a few of the old-fashioned 4x3-ratio (more square) models also can be digital.

Q: Should I buy an analog TV today?

A: The good news is that analog TV prices are at historical lows these days as manufacturers try to unload them before the March 2007 deadline when they must be built with the digital-to-analog tuner inside. You can buy a small Sony Trinitron for less than $200. But be aware that if you do — and you plan to use an antenna — you'll fall into the group that needs to buy a converter box to see any TV at all come February 2009.

Q: What's the difference between flat-panel plasma and LCD TVs?

Without getting too technical, an LCD screen is the same technology as a laptop computer screen, while a plasma screen illuminates tiny fluorescent lights to create an image.

Q: Which is better, plasma or LCD?

Like so much new technology, the TV that's right for you depends on several factors.

Plasmas are generally more expensive than LCDs and come in only larger sizes, typically 42 inches and up. So if you're looking for a smaller flat panel, LCD is your only choice.

Both technologies have improved in recent years, but there are people who will swear plasma gives you more lifelike colors, while LCD has a very slight cloudiness and can't display a true deep black.

On the other hand, plasma screens have been known to show what's called "burn in," which is an image such as a network logo that gets permanently burned onto the screen.