Viewers who may still be without television have two options for analog sets without antennas—either purchase a new, digital TV receiver, or buy a converter for their analog set.  These converters work with either a cable or satellite subscription to change digital signals into a signal that can be broadcast over an analog receiver.  The downside is that you won’t be able to enjoy the full picture quality that you would on an actual digital television, but the quality is still well above passable.  Converter boxes are also the cheaper option, with prices starting in the low $40’s.

Televisions equipped with UHF/VHF antennas don’t require converters, since the digital broadcasts still cover both the UHF and VHF bands.  However, if you’ve recently purchased an HDTV antenna, you may find that the reception on channels 7-13 is less than stellar.  That’s because these antennas are aimed at receiving UHF signals, and the channels below 13 are broadcast on the VHF band.

Hopefully you have already made the transition and are currently enjoying your favorite shows in full digital quality, but if not, it’s easy enough to ask for assistance in picking a converter at any electronics store.  Some boxes are obviously of higher quality than others—don’t get caught with a shoddy product, and do your research to find the converter which will make your TV the best that it can be.

The TiVo Premiere has built-in broadband, which means in addition to recording programs directly from the TV, viewers can also grab entertainment from Video On Demand, YouTube, and music sites like Pandora.  If there’s a computer nearby, the TiVo Premiere can also access any song, pictures, and movies on that.  TiVo Premiere also has an application called FrameChannel, a blend of social networking, news and weather, and stock information.

Regular DVR features have been upgraded for even more ease-of-use and convenience.  Still using only one remote, the regular Premiere can record up to 45 hours, while the XL can store 150 hours.  Exclusive features like WishList searches and Season Pass recordings make it easy to find whatever you’re looking for, whether you know exactly what that is or not.  Decisions on what to record on busy nights are alleviated, as the Premiere can now record two shows simultaneously while watching a third recorded one.

TiVo has always been a forerunner of DVR technology, but this new model looks like it will start to fully incorporate all the possibilities of digital television.  If you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your television, be sure to check out the Premiere when it launches near you.

It’s true that there are companies offering 3D TV converters, some of which have been around since 2004.  The VirtualFX 2D to 3D Television Converter ($74.95 from eCrater) is one of the most popular, and promises the ability to convert a standard 2D image into full 3D with the use of its included glasses.  It’s hooked up similar to a DVD player and even has four different modes depending on the video source: one for DVDs and movies, one for talk shows, one for sports, and one for music videos and theater productions.

It’s difficult to find other models at this time.  In early January, Mitsubishi announced a converter to make their sets Blu-ray 3D-compatible, but the company now seems to be focused on its actual 3D sets.  The reason for this is that converters cannot make something 3D that isn’t already there.  The boxes simply split a regular TV image in half, which looks like it’s popping out when viewed with polarized lenses.  Actual 3D TVs use spectroscopy to differentiate images in the background from the characters and objects in the foreground.  The latter is what appears to be coming out of the screen, and what truly makes 3D television revolutionary.  It seems that if you want the full experience, you will have to pay the full price.

The Dish Network TR-40 CRA ($65 from Amazon Marketplace) is another CNET favorite, with an even more extensive program guide.  The aspect ratio is much improved on this box, which also features analog pass-through and compatibility with TV Guide On Screen devices.  The only downside you might find is its less-easy-to-use remote and the lack of buttons on the box itself.  Still, this is one of the superior products, although the Amazon Marketplace reserves seem to be running low.

One of the best deals during the original switch was the $43 Access HD DTA 1080D, and amazingly, you can now get it for $26.99 from TigerDirect.  This basic converter has impressive picture quality for its size, and a programming guide with title and run time, but no info.  If you have an antenna, this box will let you monitor the strength of the signal as you adjust it.  If you only need a basic converter to continue to enjoy your favorite programming, there’s almost no reason not to get this model, unless you’re very picky about its stretching of wide-screen video.  Any of these models, though, would make a great addition to your home theater system.

DIRECTV has a long list of exclusive shows, including: HD episodes of the critically-acclaimed show The Wire; new episodes of the Australian crime drama Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities; and episodes of the series Brotherhood, based on the relationship between Massachusetts senator William Bulger and his brother, wanted mobster James “Whitey” Bulger.  With the high-quality HD picture of DIRECTV’s satellite service, you’ll be ducking for cover from all the gunshots and pointed fingers.

DIRECTV has four outstanding packages currently available, although they may vary based on your area.  The Choice package is $29.99 a month for 150 digital channels, the Choice Xtra is $34.99 for 210 channels, and the Choice Ultimate package is $39.99 for 225 channels.  True TV aficionados can spring for the Premier package, which is $85.99 and includes a whopping 285 digital channels.  Each package but the Choice comes with a free HD and DVR receiver (Choice customers select one), and also includes free installation and free shipping and handling when you order online.  With deals and programming like this, it’ll be hard to say no to DIRECTV.  Do yourself a favor and check them out today.