Which digital HD receiver or converter box is best for me? Do I need analog signal pass through capability?

There really is only one major difference from a feature point among the various HDTV receiver and converter boxes that are authorized for purchase and recommended. Some receivers have a analog signal pass through capability, however most do not. Analog signal pass through will allow your old TV to get a strong signal from your antenna when you have shut off your DTV converter box. Digital converter boxes without this analog pass through function block the signal from your antenna to your TV at all times, regardless of whether the TV is on or off, which prevents the reception of analog signals. If all you watch off air is Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC, CW, MyTV and PBS, and if you watch these TV stations on their main channel numbers and you do not watch them via translator stations any Digital HDTV converter box will be able to get all of these signals with an antenna if you can currently get these analog signals with an antenna. So nothing will change. If you watch any of these primary channels via translator stations, and if you must tune your TV to channel numbers that are different or higher than the main channel to see them, or if you also like to watch Spanish language Univision, off air religious programming or other TV programming that is delivered by "low power" stations, you will need one of the analog signal pass through digital HD converter box in order to keep the ability to receive these analog signal and stations as well as receive digital TV stations. The reason being is that these low power stations are not immediately converting to digital TV on the conversion date of February 17, 2009.

Digital HDTV Receiver Usage

It may seem strange to run a story about how to get high definition (HD) digital channels, but believe it or not close to half of HDTV owners aren’t even watching HD channels. A digital HDTV receiver can rectify that and encourage more use as they make HDTV simple to obtain.

A consumer report from Leichtman Research Group in 2007 revealed that only 53 percent of HDTV owners in the US are actually watching high definition content. Considering that a standard definition 480i signal is probably going to look worse, not better, on your brand new 42-inch, 54-inch, or 60-inch HDTV, it’s time to get the word out that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

There are a few ways to get high definition programs in your home. The first way, and most popular way, is to call your local cable, satellite or fiber-optic provider and ask them for an upgrade. This will involve upgrading your receiver, ordering additional HD channels from your provider, and in the case of satellite service, getting a satellite upgrade. (From HD Report). But the best way to receiver an HD signal, is just go out an acquire an Digital HDTV receiver.

In every digital HDTV Q&A, we take questions on any and all things HDTV and home theater related. Confused by some new terminology? Need to know whether the newest technology is worth the price premium? Wondering how to get all your devices hooked up properly? We deliver straight answers to the most pressing questions of our modern age. Find them here at gear at IGN.