BOSTON -- When all television signals go digital in February 2009, consumers using an over-the-air antenna will need either a digital television set or a converter box to watch television. But a new report said consumers aren't getting enough information about how to go high-tech.

NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross reported that consumer advocates recently visited some of the biggest tech stores, including Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City, Target and Wal-Mart stores, in 10 states. They said they found confused clerks who didn't give good information about next year's conversion to all-digital signals.

"They are being pushed into buying expensive DTV televisions, flat-screen televisions, that can cost up to $400 or $500," said Eric Bourassa, of consumer advocacy group Massachusetts Public Research Interest Group.

Those who still receive television signals through the air using an antenna will need a converter box or a television equipped to receive digital signals. Some Best Buy stores already have the boxes and they've prepared consumer information.

"They ask do I have to buy an HDTV? And one of the things that we try to let our consumers know is that you don’t have to go out and buy an HDTV or a flat panel," said UB Ukpong, of Best Buy.

But MASSPIRG said in visits to 130 top name stores, most sales staff did not know about the conversion or offered incorrect information.

"Eight-one percent of sales clerks were either unaware of the digital conversion or gave misinformation about when the conversion was going to happen," Bourassa said.

Most clerks can't explain the government's $40 coupon program, which helps reduce the price of the converter boxes. And some stores were pushing high priced televisions, MASSPIRG said.

"That really can hurt consumers, many of whom are elderly and low-income who recovered only analog signals," Bourassa said.

The transition to all-digital television switch is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2009.