we turned off our cable last September and did not have converter boxes. i did have the intention of buying one but money was just never there when I was thinking about it. The kids and I have gotten used to the quiet.....well as quiet as it can be around here! We watch the few shows we like online at our convenience. Unless dh starts working close to home again I doubt we will ever have "tv" again. I usually quilt at night and find something to watch online while I'm doing that. I like House, Lost, NCIS, and Bones.