As I understand it, if you have a newer TV like we do, it likely has both digital and analog tuners, so we won't even need the converter box. The older analog tv's, like the one in my son's room, will require a converter. Since we live way out in the country, I am one of those 24 million without cable, and have resisted satellite. I think our kids did well without all the distraction. We get like 10-12 english speaking channels as it is.