How long will we be able to buy ATSC-NTSC converter boxes?

[Jeffhs]

I would suggest getting an All for One remote the next time you need to replace one, as I think the newer versions of these remotes have setup codes for ATSC->NTSC converter boxes. I have such a remote (an older one, pre-DTV) that uses one screw (inside the battery compartment) to hold it together; no glue anywhere--however, it will not operate both a VCR and a DVD player, so I haven't used it since getting my Memorex DVD over a year ago. By contrast, my GE universal that I use with my living-room video setup is glued together so well I'd be afraid to even try to pry it apart. Oh well. The thing only cost me $5 at Big Lots a couple years ago; at that price, it doesn't pay to mess with it when it goes bad or the buttons become intermittent.

[Zenith26kc20]

Now it's getting interesting to see how many "dead" OTA digital boxes are showing up. I just made two house calls for dead boxes. One was a Digital Stream and one was an Apex. I replaced them with Digital Stream boxes from "the shack". I took the Digital Stream apart and it is a ball grid array board so no chance of repairing it. Once these run out, ever wonder what next? I could use my 34 inch Sony to provide a signal to an RF modulator but it's OTA tuner is not as hot as most converter boxes.
From what I'm told, the boxes are not made anymore and when they are gone, they are gone. Any thoughts on this?

[Ed in Tx]

A quick search on ebay revealed over 160 DTV converters for sale. I have a couple new in the box. My two Zenith boxes have worked flawlessly so far. Probably a lot of people got one because of the coupon and never hooked it up, like the extra ones I have which were with coupons friends didn't use. After that, when all the remaining functional DTV boxes are selling as collector's items for many times their cost new (yeah right ) I reckon they expect most folks to have bought a TV with an ATSC tuner in it.