Countdown to digital TV

APPLETON - There's still time left to get on the bandwagon and join the digital revolution. In less than three months, an estimated 14 million television sets will no longer work unless they get upgraded with a digital converter box.

The device changes the analog signal to digital and is meant to help out people who don't have cable, satellite or an HD-TV.

"You need the converter box if you receive your local programs off an antenna," said Tim Suess, the owner of Suess Electronics in Appleton. Suess added that the converter box will be necessary for those who watch analog TV through rabbit ears or a roof-mount antenna.

To help off-set the cost of the converter box, the government is offering each household two $40 coupons for the devices. A converter box usually costs about $60. Each analog television needs its own converter box.

You can apply online or over the phone to get the converter box coupons. Once you receive them in the mail, however, they are only good for 90 days. Suess says they will be offered until March 2009 and redeemable until June 2009.

Many consumers, especially those who live in rural areas, say they've had a difficult time finding places that sell the coverter boxes. Suess says he has customers coming from as far away was 100 miles just to buy the device at his store in Appleton

Those who have already made the switch say it was much easier than they expected and should only take about five minutes to set up the converter box.

"I think a lot of people put too much pressure on themselves," said Jeri Kalinich of Menasha. Kalinich added that she thinks most people just assume setting up a converter box is going to be more difficult than it actually is.

You can judge for yourself, but the difference in picture quality has many excited about a new era in TV.