Officials say millions of U.S. households may soon lose their TV signal as a result of the upcoming digital TV transition.

Friday, June 12, the day when local TV stations across the nation will cease broadcasting their old analog signal in favor of the new digital system. The switch is necessary only for those who do not have cable or satellite television hooked up to their sets or a newer-model TV that comes equipped with a digital tuner.  Households likely facing a loss of TV signal are low-income families, along with the elderly and households in rural areas.

In Canada, it will cease on August 31, 2011.