Do I Need a Digital Converter Box?

As you probably have already heard, on February 17, 2009, all television broadcasts will no longer be in analog format and will be switched over to digital.  You don’t have too much to worry about, but here is a quick guide of information to make the transition as smooth as possible.   First off, if you already have an HDTV, or receive TV via Cable, Satellite or subscription service you can pretty much stop reading at this point because you are probably already receiving digital TV.  In fact, you can already receive digital TV right now,  over the air, for free -  including HDTV!  You only need to worry about the transition if you have an older TV without a digital tuner, or currently get your TV free over the air.   If that's the case for you, you will need to make a few adjustments to your current setup.
 

So why the switchover?

The US is switching to digital TV for a few reasons.  Firstly, it's more efficient, has more channels, and far superior quality.  Second, by switching to digital TV, analog bandwidth will be freed up for public safety and cell phones.

I need one of these boxes - what do I do?

If you don’t want to purchase a new HDTV, you will have to either buy an analog to digital converter box or subscribe to a Digital TV service from your cable or satellite provider.  The converter box will receive the new digital broadcasts and convert them to be viewed on your analog TV.  The Federal Government is offering $40 discount coupons toward the purchase of a Digital to Analog converter box.   Most electronic retailers will be selling these digital to analog receivers soon, and probably are already.


That’s most of the info you need to know.  If you have questions or want to learn more, check out the US Government's website on the digital TV transition.