Using the slogan "DTV: Get It!," Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell announced a major initiative by the agency to educate the public about what digital television is and what is needed to get it. "For years, the transition has moved along sluggishly," said Mr. Powell, who likened the resistance to what existed when color first came to a nation dominated by black-and-white TVs. "The FCC felt the need to jump in and provide some leadership."

To that end, the FCC has launched www.dtv.gov, a Web site that provides shopping tips such as what equipment is necessary to make digital television work. It also tells details what shows currently air digitally in various areas. In one random neighborhood in Washington, for example, CBS's "CSI: Miami" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" are available in the high-definition format, as well as ABC network's "Monday Night Football." For those without Internet access, a toll-free phone number, 1-888-CALL-FCC, is available.