by KYW's Mike Dunn

The nation switches to digital TV next February. Here in Philadelphia, City Council members on Thursday were briefed on the change, in expectation that residents will come to them for answers.

Council members like Jim Kenney are prepared to be flooded with phone calls from constituents by next February, when all television must be digital.

Kenney (in file photo at right) admits that even he is confused:

"I can turn the television on. Other than that, that's about it."

So, councilmembers were briefed on the switch by Comcast officials. Vice president Bob Smith admits that the firm has a vested interest in pushing one digital option -- cable:

"It would be nice if some folks came to cable, and we think they will. But we are giving equal weight in the presentations to all of the options."

The other two options are to buy a new digital-ready television, to buy an analog-to-digital converter, or to subscribe to another form of digital delivery such as satellite TV.

Comcast gave Council members information for lower-income residents, who could get a $40 coupon toward a $50 converter thanks to the US government.