Don't wait to buy TV signal converter box

The digital-to-analog converter boxes some people will need to continue watching older TVs could be in short supply by February 2009. Manufacturers and retailers don't make large margins on the boxes and don't want to be stuck with excess inventory on Feb. 18, says independent tech analyst Rob Enderle. Digital Tech Consulting's Myra Moore says the boxes are already tough to come by in some stores, an issue for people who have an expiring $40-off government coupon. They expire three months after they're issued. A recent Best Buy survey found that while 88% of American consumers are aware of the digital broadcast transition, 54% do not know why it is happening, and many are still confused about what they need to do to get ready. Another reason to think about this now: Consumers can watch digital TV today. Digital channels are already up; it's the analog stations that go bye-bye in February.