Which digital-to-analog tv converters are best?

Question

We don't buy cable. Because we DON'T, get over it. So, in order to continue to watch our local stations after Jan 09, we have to buy a converter. Lots of them on the market... anybody know what are the differences in quality? There's a huge range in prices; what's it worth paying (after $40 govmt coupon)?

Answer 1

Before you buy, double check with the government - I know they are offering the coupons, but many governments are also giving them away for free.

Answer 2

I'm really not sure if there's a ton of difference in quality, particularly since you're presumably still going to be watching on an "old" 480i TV.  I think a fair amount of the differences are either in the extra options or cosmetic.

I'd definitely get one and hook it up before you lose your analog signals completely so you can see whether you're going to need to do something different antenna-wise.  I found out a few weeks ago that, despite only needing a non-amplified indoor antenna to get all the local broadcast stations just fine, I can't get any of the digital signals consistently enough for any of the channels to be watchable half the time (either you have a crystal-clear picture or you have *nothing*) with even an amplified indoor antenna. . . and I live 5 miles or less from two stations.  (Apparently, digital signals don't like people who live in holes nearly as well as analog ones do.)  I'm not allowed to stick an antenna on the roof here, so I'd essentially have to get cable/satellite if I didn't already have it.