Sanyo DS31590 and converter box

I just checked the owners manual online. Looks like this model only has an NTSC analog tuner. No ATSC digital tuner built in.

If you use cable or satellite TV services, the digital converters won't help you. The coupon-eligible ones are strictly for use with a traditional antenna. If this is your situation, ignore the remainder of this message.

If you use a regular TV antenna with this TV, then, yes, you will need a converter box. FYI, the Insignia model at Best Buy and the Zenith at Circuit City, and elsewhere (radio shack) have gotten good reviews from early purchasers. More converter box models will be available in a few months time.

If your current reception with your antenna is poor (snowy), you may have problems receiving the new DTV signals. If not, you should be pleasantly surprised with the quality of the DTV signals - and the extra "virtual" channels. Try the converter box using the RCA video and audio inputs, for a slightly better picture than with the coaxial cable inputs.

Good Luck