A converter box shifts the digital signal sent from television stations into an analog signal, which allows it to be viewed by an older analog TV. If you have a newer digital-capable TV, or receive your TV signals from a cable or satellite service, you don't need a converter box. Your current system should work just fine. However, those with old-fashioned rabbit ears or rooftop antennas (and TVs which don't include digital conversion equipment of their own) need to purchase a box. Converter boxes retail for about $40 and are extremely easy to install.
Instructions
1. Check the back of your TV for a coaxial input jack. This is a round outlet that looks a little like a flat screw. There's a pinhole in the center surrounded by milky white plastic. It will most likely be labeled "UHF/VHF" or "In From Antenna," and your rabbit ears or rooftop antenna will be attached to it.
2. Find a similar set of coaxial jacks on the back of your converter box. There should be two: one labeled "In" (or "In From Antenna") and one labeled "Out" (or "Out to TV").
3. Disconnect the antenna from the back of your TV and connect it to the "In From Antenna" jack on your converter box.
4. Attach one end of a coaxial cable to the "Out to TV" jack on your converter box and the other end to the "In From Antenna" jack on your TV. Most converter boxes come with a length of coaxial cable, and if yours doesn't, you can purchase a length of coaxial cable at most electronics stores for just a few dollars.
5. Turn on your TV and set the channel to 3 or 4. Turn on your converter box (using the remote if it has one), and follow any instructions which appear on the screen. That will complete the installation and allow you to watch TV as normal.
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