Many boxes support "analog pass through", and this is useful for the moment. But after feb 2009, it will be far less useful because there will be very little analog left. I currently use a Channel Master CM-7000 CECB on my old Panasonic TV. It does not have analog pass-through. But I get away with it because the Panasonic has provisions for a "cable descrambler" box output and second antenna input. I connected the CM-7000 to the descrambler output and it works fine. (Though the signal is reduced a bit compared with a direct antenna connection.) Again, after Feb, there won't be any analog in my area. So I will then recable the antenna to feed directly into the converter box. The reason I chose the CM-7000 is that it has S-video output and reportedly the best picture quality of any of the CECBs. The Zenith DTT-901 also gets high ratings - with a decent picture and more features than the CM-7000, but does not support S-video. I also have had a Samsung SIR-T451 for several years on a newer HD-ready TV. This supports full HD capabilities (e.g., 480p/720p/1080i), numerous outputs (component, s-video, composite, VGA, etc), has analog pass-through, and a number of other features. It is a nice box, but not as sensitive to weak signals as the CM-7000. I would assume the newer Samsung boxes are better. ilmbg: I think your "local TV guy" misheard your question. If your TV is more than about 3-4 years old, it is unlikely that it has a digital tuner in it. You will need a converter box. And it sounds like you will also need a better antenna. BTW, do not confuse "digital" with "high definition". They are two different things. Everyone will need a digital tuner for over-the-air broadcasts. But not everyone wants or needs HD display capabilities. For many folks, 480i may be just fine.

Well, we are expecting company for dinner tonight...any minute...and I am serving a new cheese with our drinks that I have never had before. Rougette. It's a soft cheese that has a strong aroma, looks like Brie. How's that for something I have never tried before? I'll let you know how I and, everyone else likes it. I'm hungry...wish they would hurry up and get here. sooey

We selected the ledge lounger signature chair with tall back after trying them all out. The salesman said that many of their customers favored the chair over the lounger. The standard lounger is difficult to get out of, especially if you are of a certain age, if you know what I mean. I also opted for the granite grey color for ease of cleaning.

Oh great thank you! I searched but didn't find that one. I did go out and look at it in a little more detail today and was surprised how thick some of the branches are and felt like it would be damaging or break them to bend that far down. Probably 4.5ft long and 3/4" diameter. This is all new growth this year as it died to the ground yet again. The other thing that worried me is that it has tons of healthy looking lateral buds, but the terminal bud on many branches seems to be opening? It's not just little bean like the lateral buds - it has the shape of small unfurling leaves. I wonder if I'm already doomed and shouldn't bother wasting my time. This is in CT z6a and it's been a warm fall, but nothing extraordinary I don't think.