Digital Television: Why The Conversion

On February 17, 2009 television stations will begin broadcasting digital TV signals only. The reason for the change according to experts is that a digital signal will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum to leave room for public safety communications and to auction off parts of the broadcast spectrum for private companies to provide more advanced wireless services to the consumer.
Because digital is more efficient than analog, broadcasters will be able to offer a better picture and sound quality including HD and SD (standard definition) at the same time (multicasting).
If you have an analog television and want to use it to watch broadcast TV stations, you will need to buy a digital converter box and install it by February 17, 2009 or you can choose to watch TV online. Just a side note: I have an old 80's model Sanyo that I plan to use just to play VHS video tapes. I have a large collection of movies that I haven't converted to DVD. If you have a subscription service such as cable or satellite you will not need a digital converter box. Don't let someone sell you one.
One drawback that I see with the digital tv transition will be the use of battery powered portable televisions used in emergencies when electricity is lost as the result of hurricanes and other inclement weather. Battery powered TVs will still need digital TV converters to get a signal. The converter will still need a power source. Battery powered portable digital televisions are coming onto the market, but the one that you bought at Home Depot last year will be useless during a power failure.