Many consumers are under the impression that since the analog to DTV Transition took place in 2009, they can no longer use analog TVs. But the good news is that you generally can.

Analog TVs receive and display broadcast TV signals transmitted in a similar manner used for AM/FM radio transmissions. The video transmitted in AM, while audio was in FM.

Analog TV transmissions were subject to interference, such as ghosting and snow, depending on the distance and geographical location of the TV receiving the signal. Analog broadcasts were also severely limited in terms of video resolution and color range.

Full power analog TV broadcasts officially ended on June 12, 2009. There may be cases were low-power, analog TV broadcasts could still be available in some communities. These should have also been discontinued as of September 1, 2015, unless the FCC granted special permission to a specific station licensee.

With the transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting, to continue receiving TV broadcasts, consumers either have to purchase a new TV or implement a workaround to continue using an analog TV.workaround to continue using an analog TV.

The transition not only affected analog TVs but VCRs and pre-2009 DVD recorders that had built-in tuners designed to receive programming via an over-the-air antenna. Cable or satellite TV subscribers may, or may not, be affected (more on this below).

If you still have an analog TV and are currently not using it, you can breathe new life into it with one of the following options:

An analog TV can only display images in standard definition resolution (480i). So even if the program source is originally in HD or 4K Ultra HD, you will only see it as a standard resolution image.

Until 2007, HDTVs were not required to have digital or HD tuners. An old HDTV might only have an analog TV tuner. In that case, the above connection options will also work. A standard definition signal will depend on the TV's upscaling capability to provide a better quality image for viewing.

Also, an older HDTV may have DVI inputs instead of HDMI inputs for accessing HD resolution signals. If so, you will have to use an HDMI-to-DVI converter cable as well as a second connection for Audio. You can use these connection options with compatible OTA HD-DVRs or HD cable/satellite boxes for receiving HDTV programming.

HDTVs and Ultra HD TVs provide a much better TV viewing experience, but if you have an analog TV, you may still be able to use it in the digital age. Although not desirable as a primary television (especially in a home theater setup), an analog TV could be suitable as a second or a third TV.

As years pass and the last analog TVs are finally disposed of (hopefully recycled), the analog-or-digital TV issue will be put to rest.

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