Digital HDTV converter box

Question:FAQ: Will I need a DTV Converter Box if I buy a High Definition television?

Here is a summary of the original question:

Our building has a master antenna. I was told by a TV salesperson that if I purchase a HDTV it will receive the digital signal but with our master roof antenna we will still need the converter box to see the programs in high definition. Is this true?

Also, if I purchase a new HDTV right now, over a year before the change to digital takes place, will I still get all of the current analog programs on that HDTV until June 12, 2009? ~Diane

Answer:

Diane,

Should you buy that HDTV then you'll only need a DTV converter box if you use a VCR. The DTV Converter Box that is advertised for the DTV Coupon Program is needed only by antenna-using analog television owners that won’t buy a digital TV before June 12, 2009 – the date of the digital transition.

In a nutshell, the converter box reconfigures the digital signal to analog.