Okay, I know that in February of 2009, all the tv stations are switching over to digital. And there won't be anymore analog signals. I understand this whole concept.

I know that on the tv's where I now have Directv, I don't need to do anything.

However, in one of my rooms, I have this lovely little analog tv (connected to a vcr), so when i wish, I can go in that room and just watch my tapes.

I really can't get any broadcasting with the rabbit ears on that little tv.

I have tried so get a better signal by using aluminum foil, and moving the antenna around, but actually it's all fuzzy, so I mainly use this to watch my vcr tapes.

I have applied for one of those coupons that they are offering so I can save on the new converter box. From what I udnerstand the converter box connects to the antenaa and tv and I can then get reception. Clear reception, right??

CAN I USE THIS BOX NOW?? Or is this box only for Feb of 2009. That's where I get confused. I've been to the sites and they really don't answer that particular question. I know that I can go to my nearby Radio Shack and buy one of those converter boxes.

I know that all tv stations broadcast in both analog and digital. I know this.

I'm talking RIGHT NOW, TOMORROW, if I went to Radio Shack, bought one of those converter thingees, hooked it up to my little analog tv set, well, WILL I THEN BE GETTING A NICE CLEAR PICTURE??

If this is so, that would be great. I don't have to worry about taping Boston Legal, or NCIS, because I can use the VCR that is connected to the little analog tv.

I only have vcrs, no tivo or anything like that. Alan and I tape everything, and we swap tapes. So for us, vcr's work just fine.

So is this converter box applicable for now, or are they applicable for 2009?

I hope somebody out there in computer land, who understand these things, well, that they know the answer to this one.

I priced the converter box at slightly over $40 bucks or so. And with the coupon, it will come out to $6.99 or so. So it's really cheap.

But I was on one of the sites and this is what confuses me.

It said:

IF YOU GET A GOOD ANALOG SIGNAL, THEN YOU'LL GET A GOOD PICTURE WITH THE CONVERTER BOX.

HOWEVER, IF YOU DON'T GET A GOOD ANALOG SIGNAL, AND YOU HAVE NO PICTURE (WHICH ESSENTIALLY IS WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE MOMENT), IT SAYS "YOU WON'T GET ANY PICTURE".

So what does all this mean?

Right now, I can't watch anything on the little tv with the rabbit ears.

Will I ever be able to?? And when??

Hope someone knows, and I thank you much.

Melody