Congress has passed a bill mandating that all television signals go digital in 2009.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/...dtv-usat_x.htm

While for some this is nothing, the others of us who have regular cable, and over the air might end up getting shafted.

Though the government has decided to help out... just a little as usual.
Honestly, I believe somewhere, someone is going to make tons of money from those who don't want to bother with a box, and buy digital. Wouldn't surprise me if reps from major TV manufacturers weren't giving some incintive.

 

This bill does nothing to regular cable. In fact, it would be easy for your local cable company to convert the OTA digital back to analog and sent it through their lines. I did not read the article you linked to but if it's like the others about this subject that are posted in home theater forums, it just tried to spread FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt).

-Robert

 

Though I read in the local paper that some companies in the rural areas might not have the capability to change the signal back to analog. Plus it also brings up the fact that if the cable company has to convert the signal, then there's a possibility of cable going up to cover the cost of equipment.

 

won't affect me...I'll just keep watching TV in my car. on a serious note, it should not worry anyone, TV's are and will be cheap in 4 years so no worries.

 

They will just buy this same $50 converter ($10 each by then) for each OTA channel they want to convert back. In my area that would be the the big 4 networks, UPN, PBS and PAX. Everything else the cable company broadcasts in analog, they either already have the coversion equipment in place or it comes from the source in analog format.

-Robert

 

Old news they actually have pushed it back a few times they really wanted to have it completely converted by 2005.

 

Easy solution...DON'T WATCH TV.

I HATE TV.

 

I love my TV, so yes Ill continue to pay, as well as the rates for my Tivo.

 

I live for espn and curb your enthusiasm.

 

CSI,CSI:NY,CSI:Miami,Without a Trace, Law&Order, PBA Bowling,etc...All in HD.

Even a few "girlie" shows like...OneTreeHill.

 

i have a 60" tv but no hi def.

 

55"Mitsu W/HD > 60" without.

 

We just got a 60" with hd and its unreal the difference!

 

Im holding out a bit longer before I get rid of the 55. Waiting on a reasonably priced DLP.

 

1 tree hill and everwood rock haven't watched them in forever though

 

Onetreehill I still watch regularly, Everwood I never really got into. Smallville is a regular as well, and Gilmore still on occasion.

 

i'm just gonna wait a year or two and buy the seasons on dvd on ebay

 

you're so gay i have no idea how to comment on this....i'm tellin eric.

 

Ooooh so your tellin your wifey huh? Teh Ghey