JOHANNESBURG - What happens when millions of South Africans lose access to free-to-air TV? 

As the 31 March deadline looms, here are some facts about the digital dash in a nutshell.

Some transmitters in five provinces -- Free State, Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga -- have already been switched off.

The most populous areas -- Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape -- are next.

More than 1.5 million set-top boxes (STBs) have been installed, but millions more households need them. 

Government will provide free decoders to five million poor TV-owning households. 

Those who have yet to register can do so at the nearest SA Post Office.

The benefits of digital TV broadcasting include excellent picture quality, clearer sound and more channels.

Think sharp pictures, vibrant colours and no more snowy static screens.

You’ll be able to see everything in detail.

You need one digital decoder -- also called a Set Top Box (STB) -- to unlock the new world of channels on your existing TV.

This device decodes the digital signal, turning it into crisp, clear pictures.

Think of it like a DStv or OpenView (OVHD) box, but for free-to-air channels. One STB hooks you up to all licensed South African broadcasters, including SABC and e.tv, with no monthly fees.