SEATTLE -- Many viewers have called KIRO 7 for advice about what kind of a digital converter box they should get before TV stations switch to digital signals next month [update: the transition will occur on June 12, 2009].

Consumer Reports has tested the boxes and has some advice.

Mary Linkowski was stunned when she learned her analog TV would go black in February. [update: the transition will occur on June 12, 2009]

"I don't believe it," she said.

She doesn't want to pay for cable or satellite, so her son's getting her something that costs a lot less.

"He promised that he would get me one of those converter boxes," Linkowski said.

Consumer Reports has tested two dozen converter boxes costing from around $50 to about $80. But they'll cost you less if you have a $40 coupon from the federal government.

The tests found all the boxes produced picture quality ranging from acceptable to outstanding.

One of the best boxes is the Tivax STB-T9, which costs $50.

But even though it's one of the best converter boxes tested, be aware. A number of factors can effect performance including: where you live, the local terrain, the number of stations in your area, signal strength, and the type of antenna that you're using.

Digital converter boxes all come with the same basic features, including a remote control. But some boxes also have buttons on the unit itself, so you can operate them in case you lose the remote.

Some also provide a comprehensive program guide with details about upcoming shows.

And you may want to look for one that lets you adjust the closed captioning to make it bigger and easier to read.

To get reviews of digital converter boxes, go to ConsumerReports.org.