I have expanded basic cable with Comcast; do I need to upgrade to digital cable for the switch in 2009?

Question

I do not have a converter box, should I get one?

Answer 1

You do not need a converter box for cable.  Cable does the conversion of the broadcast digital channels for you.  The only thing a converter box -- which is made for broadcast over the air free channels via an antenna -- can do for you is offer you the additional programs that your local broadcasters may offer that your cable company will not carry.  The cable company will only carry the primary channel of programming from local broadcasters in your area.  Sometimes with PBS stations they may carry additional programs but with many stations they will only carry the primary program.

The only other benefit that a converter box might provide you is a backup in case your local cable has outages due to overhead lines being down after a hurricane or other weather event.  But you may need an outside antenna if you live in a rural area to get digital TV over the air.

Answer 2

You do not - and will not - need a converter box in order to receive regular cable.  You only need it if you want to receive the "premium" digital channels (like movies, dedicated sports, pay-per-view, etc).