Why does my HD tv now need a converter box?

The confusion comes from the overuse of the word "digital." First of all: Over the air (OTA) broadcasts of local channels changed their signal format to "digital". This meant TVs that did not already have a digital tuner (QAM/ATSC) built in needed to buy a separate tuner box. Second: Cable stations use their own equipment to broadcast TV, and are separate from the OTA stuff. Without a cable box, you can still receive local channels (even those in HD) as well as any unencrypted channels that are part of your cable package. Wait...unencrypted? Yes. The cable companies have started to use encryption to scramble cable channels - even those that are part of your "basic cable" package like TLC, etc. To make things more confusing, the cable companies refer to this as "digital cable" even though there's nothing inherently "digital" about it. The solution? Get a cable box. Yes, I agree, it's a pretty scummy business model and it really does just exist so the cable companies can pry another $3-10 from their subscribers each month while still advertising "$19.95/mo!" only to reveal that doesn't include equipment rental. At least the newer cable boxes come with a built-in DVR so you can record your shows and watch them at your leisure. So...to sum up: * Local channels (NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS...) do not require a new digital tuner in your TV, nor do they require a cable box. * Local channels in HD (NBC-HD, CBS-HD...) DO require a digital tuner in your TV OR a HD cable box. * Cable stations (regular and HD) DO require a cable box. * Cable companies are scum. Personally I prefer satellite. They're more up front with their fees, and most of their advertised subscription promotions include a satellite box - or two! We've been with Dish Network for a few years and have been quite happy with them. Their packages start at $19.99 - and yes that includes the box.

It sounds like you may be mistaken about your circumstances. Over the air broadcasts (ie, received by your antenna) have nothing to do with the cable company. The cable company may be updating their infrastructure or broadcasting formats, which may deprecate an older cable box. I suppose it depends on which cable company, but they should give you a new box at no cost. Edit: Also, regarding your local channels: the FCC mandated a change to digital broadcasting over the air a couple of years ago. Your cable company also has no control over that. However, the government provided ample warnings, and I believe there is still an opportunity to get a free digital-to-analog converter from the government if you mail in some form.

It has been a long time since you could get a free converter box from the government. But in your case, you just need to give your cable provider some more money so they will give you a special box that is just for their cable. Or you can tell them to take a hike and you will save a lot of money and not use cable or satellilte. Just you a big antenna and get free TV.