I'm not an avid TV watcher (Shhhh....don't tell the bosses!).  I jettisoned cable after doing a little cost-benefit analysis.  My reception of analog channels is poor at best.  I tried some of those HDTV tuner cards for my computer and a USB tuner, but I never had much success with them.

So, all of my TV-based entertainment is from DVDs and watching video on my computer, which I hooked up to the TV in the living room.  Between Netflix and the network's video sites, I can watch just about any TV show that I want whenever I want it.

I applied for my DTV converter box coupons the morning the site opened.  They arrived Friday and I picked up two converter boxes Friday night.  I bought mine from a large blue-and-yellow electronics store.  They're priced at $59.99 each.  The lady at the register hadn't seen the coupon cards before, but she figured out what to do with them.  They're like debit cards, and they're good for $40 each.  So, the total for both converters was about $40. 

I went home, plugged in a pair of rabbit ears, connected the converter box to the TV, and it works beautifully.  The little thing automatically scans the channels and adds the valid signals.  You get program information, a little program guide and the ability to change aspect ratios.  I was impressed with how easy it was to use. 

Using a little pair of rabbit ears near downtown Fuquay, I can pick up 21 local over-the-air channels.  They come in pretty clearly.  The HD channels sometimes pixellate a little, but I'm thinking of installing an outdoor antenna to cure that.

So, if you haven't applied for your coupons, yet, go to DTV2009.gov.  It's very easy.  Remember, you only need converter boxes for the TVs in your house that are not connected to cable or satellite. 

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check our DTV section for all the details.