From what I have seen of over-the-air digital TV, the converter box users are going to have problems of their own, particularly in fringe reception areas.
While a weak signal on analog TV will result in snow or occasional picture tearing, the picture and sound is at least somewhat usable even down to quite low signal levels. A signal below a certain critical level will give you NOTHING on a digital setup. If the signal fades in and out, it is like trying to watch internet streaming video over a dialup connection. Constant pauses and dropouts in picture AND sound.
The converter boxes are going to be designed and built to a price point (however much the government subsidy is--$40 per box, IIRC). To cut costs, extra RF gain stages and other "frills" that mike make the things useful in fringe areas will probably be the first things chopped out.
