The digital transition is a good thing. This page explains why it is necessary:
The Digital TV Transition: What is DTV
The switch has been authorized since
1996. I've known about it for years. When we bought a new TV 2 years ago we knew we needed to get an HDTV. TV's have been available as "DTV ready" for years so that they could be operated without a converter box after the switch. Digital signals are clearer and they allow the networks to broadcast multiple signals. Our NBC here is channel 5, and we have 5.1 and 5.2 - so NBC has TWO channels. One is the regular NBC and one is devoted to weather and special broadcasts (like the showed the raw feed from the Blago impeachment trial). I think ABC has 3 channels. PBS also has extra channels which is awesome because one of them plays a bunch of good cooking shows. We have been waiting for the switch because some of our stations have lower power and they are boosting their signals today to compensate!
I understand that people are frustrated, but they have been advertising the Feb 17th date forever. I know the box is $40 and no one wants to spend $40 on one, but we've known about this for YEARS. The DTV takes up so much less of the spectrum and frees it up for other things. Start watching for more cell companies to start offering high-speed internet. Our "high speed" (yeah right) internet options are so bad that I welcome some more choices. Also, if they ran out of coupons it was only recently. Last summer my parents got a coupon and we were able to get them a converter box for like $10. Sorry to anyone who waited but this was in no way a surprise. We had plenty of notice.
DukesMommy - why don't you add a 2nd room on the DirectTV? Ours is only $5.99 more a month for a 2nd room. Also, the converter box has nothing to do with the cable companies. You ONLY need a converter box if you use an antenna with an old TV, no cable, no dish. Anyone who uses cable or dish does not need a converter box.
Also, most TV shows are available online for free anyway.