Analog to Digital Advantages

Switching from analog to digital let broadcasters offer
higher picture definition, because a digital signal can be
compressed far more than an analog signal. Compression allows
stations to fit more information in the signal. That means
you're getting a clearer image with digital television than
you would from an analog signal. In fact, even though digital
signals get weaker with distance, just as analog signals do,
digital signals won't degrade in quality. As long as you have
a signal, you'll get a clear picture.

There's another advantage of having additional bandwidth
available. Using digital broadcasting, local stations are
able to offer more programming to their viewers than they
could with an analog signal. How? Multicasting, or
broadcasting several shows within a single frequency. Many
stations across the United States are already multicasting.
For example, WRAL in Raleigh, N.C., broadcasts a 24-hour news
feed alongside its regular programming.

If you have a digital-to-analog converter box and
a terrestrial antenna, you can take advantage of your local
station's multicasting, if they offer it. Cable and satellite
providers may not necessarily add the additional stations to
their lineups, however, so you may not see them if you
subscribe.

If you still need a converter box, you may still be able to
get a $40 coupon from the U.S. government at dtv2009.gov, if
there are any still available. You could also buy a new
television with a digital tuner, if that's what you would
prefer, though that's a more expensive option.