Back when broadcast television was first switching over from analog to digital most people needed to get a converter box to watch DTV broadcasts. Remember that abomination that was “HD-Ready”?

Also called a "DTV, ATSC, digital or set-top converter box," "D/A converter" (DAC) or "digital TV adapter" (DTA). A similar set-top box is provided by cable companies that offer basic cable ...

Earlier TVs accepted only analog video, and converter boxes use DACs to convert digital TV broadcasts to analog (see TV converter box). See DTV. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.

over-the-air television is with a TV set equipped with an antenna and either a digital tuner or a digital converter box. If you're ready for DTV but are still having trouble receiving your local ...