I broke down last night and got a Magnavox DTV converter box last night. The part of San Jose that I live in is pretty bad as far as television signals are concerned. With the DTV box ($49.97) and a DTV antenna ($14.97) I am able to get a few stations. It's kind of an all o rnothing proposition, but the stations that do come in look amazing. Both the signal and picture waulity are unrivaled in any over-the-air broadcast I've ever seen. Also, there are "sub-channels" like they always mention in HD Radio spots. I haven't really messed with them, but NBC11 has an all-weather sub-channel, and that'd be pretty cool if I ever remembered to worry about the weather.
I didn't watch much because it was late-ish and there wasn't much on. Tonight, however, the reason I bought the darned thing is on. That reason is Law and Order. Also of note, I haven't seen a new L&O in forever, so if anyone dares to bother me between 10 and 11 pm PST tonight I'll...well, I just won't pick up the phone.
All in all, the DTV transition is an amazing boost in quality for those of us without pay TV. Mishandled, sure. Worth the wait? I'm thinking "yes."
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