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 Analog to Digital Converter. 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
Tivax STB-T9
Dish Network DTVPal Plus
Dish Network TR-40 CRA
Dish Network DTVPal
Channel Master CM-7000
RCA DTA800B1
Lasonic LTA-260
Sansonic FT300A
Microgem MG2000
Philco TB100HH9
Access HD DTA1020D
Access HD DTA1020U
Access HD DTA1010D
Access HD DTA1010U
Access HD DTA1080D
Access HD DTA1080U
Artec T3A Pro
Artec T3AP Pro
Insignia NS-DXA1
Zenith DTT900
Zenith DTT901
RCA DTA800B
Digital Stream DTX9900
Digital Stream DTX9950
Digital Stream DSP7500T
Digital Stream DSP7700T
Digital Stream DSP7700P
GE 22730
GE 22729
GE 23333
GE 23334
Winegrad RC-DT09A
Alpha Digital AT2016
Zinwell ZAT-970A
Magnavox TB100MW9
Magnavox TB100MG9
COShip N9988T
COShip N9900T
Venturer STB7766G
Apex DT250
Goodmind DTA 1000
Zentech EZTV DF2000