How to get DTV box to wk without a cable leading...

Question

My daughter has a TV (the kind with the built in VHS) and it is fairly new about 3 years old, but we do not have a "cable" that you would plug into the back to receive antenna signals. I basically used it in her play room just for the VHS and attached a portable DVD player for her movies since there is no cable ready cords or anything in that room but now I find out my Digital Converter Box won't work without this! What can we do. I have been told a lot of people are screwed because many many houses do not automatically have this cable coming out of their wall (unless you have satellite or cable installed or your house is newer). I don't know how to remedy this....is it not going to work on that TV at all? Also, since her TV was bought in 2004 or 2005 is it possible it is digital ready and we won't need that converter box?