I hooked up the digital converter today.  I don't know if I did it exactly right but as long as I have the TV, converter box, and VCR on I can watch TV on the smallish 1995 screen.  It seems to be enough equipment to operate the Hubble telescope.  This is my spare TV that I may use when I'm sewing.  Or I may just watch videos.
My main TV is the newer one in the living room.  I get pretty good digital reception with an indoor antenna as long as the pixels are feeling cooperative.  Some days they are a little shy and hard to catch.  I checked 
antennaweb.org today and found out my living room is on the wrong side of the building.  Oops.