Digital Television Transition

The digital television transition is where all full-power television stations in the United States will be converting from a dual signal to a 100% digital signal. This will occur on February 17th, 2009 is being done mainly to help consumers.

After the transition viewers will be able to get a better picture, better sound quality, and also more programming options. This will be very good for consumers but there is a bit of a hitch to the deal. If you have an older analog television it will no longer work after the transition without a Digital Converter Box. This means that you will either need to purchase a converter box or get a new television that has a digital tuner, or subscribe to cable or satellite.

A digital converter box is a small box that you hook up to your television. Once hooked up to your television it will converter the new digital television signals so that they can be viewed on your analog television.

Digital TV converter boxes are brand new and the first models out have had lots of bugs in them but in general they are working pretty well. These boxes cost $50-$75 and can be purchased at most electronics stores including stores like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, or Circuit City.

If you are interested in purchasing a TV converter box you can apply for a $40 off coupon from the government. The government decided to help subsidize the DTV transition and has setup a website request a coupon. Coupons request can be made starting January 1,2009 and can be made through March 31,2009 or while supplies last.

When purchasing your DTV converter box you need to be sure to make you purchase from a government certified digital converter box retailer or you will not be able to use your coupon. You also need to purchase a government program has set a limit of 2 coupons per household so that everyone will get a fair chance at getting a coupon. Coupons are good for 90 days from the date of issuance and only one coupon can be used for each converter box you purchase.

Here is a comprehensive list of converter box reviews that I have found. I hope this helps!

Tivax STB-T8
Dish Network DTVPal Plus
Dish Network TR-40 CRA
Dish Network DTVPal
Channel Master CM-7000
Airlink101 ATVC102
Zinwell ZAT-970A
Zinwell ZAT-950A

If you are looking for a Digital TV Antennas for you converter box you should check out the digital TV antenna reviews from this great reviews website.