If you're in the market for a digital TV converter box, here's one that really delivers: DTVPal from Dish Network.

Yes, the same folks who offer satellite TV service are now selling a box that's strictly for off-air viewing.

It's super-simple to get going once you plug in the power and the antenna cables. A step-by-step on-screen menu guides you to first align your antenna; then scan for available channels. I found a total of 30 from my home in Denton County using an antenna in the attic.

Then you punch in your time zone and zip code. That information helps provide one of the best DTVPal features: a real on-screen program guide, very similar to what you'd find when using a cable or a satellite service.

But these 30 channels — all in digital quality — are all free; there's no monthly subscription.

You can even set DTVPal to automatically tune in a channel at a predetermined tmie so you can record shows using an analog VCR or a DVD recorder.

One other thing I really like about the DTVPal is the remote control. It has a dedicated button that lets you easily change the "aspect ratio" of the screen. That means you can see the full width of a widescreen broadcast or you can zoom in to eliminate unused screen space.

WFAA-TV

The DTVPal program guide would look familiar to Dish Network satellite subscribers.

The remote control that comes with DTV Pal won't control your existing TV set, so if you want to turn it on and off, you'll either have to get up off the couch or use the existing remote.

And there are no buttons at all on the box itself, so if you lose or break the DTVPal remote, you're stuck.

DTVPal is about the size of a large paperback book, and in addition to the remote control, it comes with an RF cable to connect to your TV set and a power transformer that supplies the needed voltage. That's another quibble I have with DTVPal: The transformer uses an unusual power connector from the cable to the box, which is another hard-to-replace item if it fails.

DTVPal is available from Dish Network for $60 plus $9 shipping and handling. It qualifies for the $40 government coupon program to help subsidize your switch to digital TV.

While not perfect, it comes close to being the ideal way to get ready for February 17, 2009, when Channel 8 and all other full-power TV stations switch off their analog transmissions.

• LINK: DTVPal official site
• REVIEW: RCA DTA800 digital TV converter box
• HOW TO: Solve digital TV reception problems
• LINK: Get your $40 government rebate coupon
• LINK: WFAA DTV Countdown: More links and information

There's something very anonymous about all those unsolicited e-mail ads that clutter almost everyone's digital mailboxes.

Adam Vitale

But we can now put a face on the scourge of spam.

Meet "Spam King" Adam Vitale. The 26-year-old man this week pleaded guilty to sending unwanted offers to 1.2 million AOL users.

He'll be sentenced on September 13 in a federal court. Vitale faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison and a fine of a quarter of a million dollars.

• LINK: News release from U.S. Attorney Michael J. Garcia

Doggyspace is now open for business on the World Wide Web.

Doggyspace.com

The concept is similar to MySpace or FaceBook, except, as its name infers, Doggyspace caters to dog owners who want to make a connection.

Here, man's best friend can have a whole page full of pals (with the help of his or her owner, of course).

Perhaps the biggest attraction of Doggyspace is a place to share your favorite videos. While the selection is still growing, there's an amusing vignette of a half dozen puppies getting their first look at the resident cat in the household.

Another clip depicts a dog pulling the reins and in total control of a horse many times its size.

Even if you don't own a dog, you'll find something to like about Doggyspace.

• LINK: Doggyspace.com

Watch Computer Corner every week on News 8 Midday at noon Wednesdays, or online any time.

E-mail askwalt@wfaa.com