A digital TV converter box and remote.

With the transition from analog to digital television now a week away, Comcast and other cable companies are pushing hard to get over-the-air analog TV viewers to switch to cable to continue getting their programs. A few months ago, I took advantage of the digital-television switch to do the opposite -- dropping my Comcast television service and switching to a digital converter box instead. And I haven't regretted it for an instant.

I cut my monthly expenses significantly, and while I miss some things about cable, I'm happier than ever with my viewing options.

For starters, the over-the-air digital service is sweet. I like to joke that it's poor man's cable, but that undersells it. The setup was easy, the picture is clear, the channels are numerous, the programs are identified by on-screen captions, and it's a one-time purchase with no monthly fees. On top of that, the price of the digital converter box can be reduced or even eliminated with government coupons.

The technical background: Stations are replacing their traditional analog TV signals with over-the-air digital signals, under a June 12 federal deadline. Converter boxes allow older TVs to work with the new digital signals, without buying a new TV or signiing up for cable.

Over-the-air digital TV offers several more channels than analog television does -- although basic cable still delivers many more.

Sure, I miss my nightly doses of ESPN and a few other cable channels. The Universal Sports channel offered on over-the-air digital TV doesn't come close. But I've more than made up for that by reaquainting myself with such shows as Oprah and Frontline, and becoming familiar with the addictive Create TV.

I watch programs such as The Daily Show and Lost by accessing full episodes on Hulu.com and abc.com on my computer.

In addition, my household already had Xbox Live and Netflix accounts, so we're able to supplement our viewing options even further using the Netflix on-demand service through my Xbox 360 console. Of course, that would mean an extra expense for someone who doesn't already have those services, but even without on-demand Netflix, I'd be more than happy with my viewing options.

In short, over-the-air digital TV is worth a close look -- especially when supplemented by free online content. Personally, I'd never go back.

HOW TO GET A DIGITAL CONVERTER BOX

Reclaim the Media, Dish Network and other groups are offering free digital converter boxes and installation help Friday and Saturday to people who have government-issued coupons. Events will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at New Holly Community Center, 7050 32nd Ave S., Seattle; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave. S. in Seattle.

If you don't already have a government coupon, see this site for more information on getting one and buying a digital converter box.