Completing the Transition to Digital Television

Did you know that under current federal law, broadcasters are supposed to switch entirely from the old analog system to digital transmission by Jan. 1, 2007? What that means to consumers is that we will have to purchase a HDTV. But right now, HDTVs cost above $1,000! So if we can't afford HDTV we will be able to purchase set-top boxes that will convert the new digital signal back into a viewable analog one.

This large transition has been compared to the transition from b&w television to color. Now I was not around when that happened but was it not possible to still view tv programs on an old b&w set? Sure, they were minus the color but still viewable...right Dorian? Yet with this new transition it looks like consumers will be forced to make some sort of investment if they want to continue watching tv!

So as a consumer, what are your thoughts on this? Are you ready?

Your confusing digital TVs with high-definition TVs. Although they are more expensive than analog TVs, digital TVs can be had for far less than $1000.

I'm not paricularly looking forwardto it, despite the fact that my crappy reception will improve, because my television is old (doesn't even have a remote) and therefore obviously not digital.

I should add that there is a provision in the law to extend the date until 85% of the TVs in an area are digital. Given that most people buying new TVs are still buying analog ones, I doubt this will go into effect at the planned date.

There is no doubt that I am confusing tv's....I know nothing about modern technology. And it doesn't help matters when the articles I read about the digital transition keep referring to HDTVs Making the switch to digital: It costs money for everyone involved (consumers, TV producers, networks, broadcasters, and cable and satellite companies) to switch to HDTV

Of course it's also possible my question is regarding the HDTV transition...which is tied to the digital transition. The FCC wants consumers to be able to receive high-def signals when they are available which will mean that we will need HDTV....correct?

Recap of 2006 International Consumer Electronics Association:
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael Powell delivered his insight on the top public policy issues facing the technology industry during a riveting one-on-one conversation with CEA's Gary Shapiro. Topics ranged from copyright protection to the HDTV transition to broadband deployment. Powell stated, "Convergence is here. Now, the vision of the future is dependent on the free flow of content." Powell later complimented the complex HDTV transition and acknowledged that the move to HD has been the correct decision.

Continuing on the subject of HDTV, Powell stated everyone will benefit from a hard cut-off date and consumers need to continue to be educated about the issues - especially at the retailer level. cesweb.org

First the future day-light saving time changes mess up my electronics...and now this. What's next?

Yes, that article you linked is flat out wrong for much of it. Way down near the bottom, it (correctly) says:

Not all digital televisions are created equal. Not all DTVs are high-definition. There are three levels of digital clarity: standard--about 50% better resolution than analog, enhanced--better than standard, but not quite as good as HDTV, and high definition--the smoothest, most lifelike experience.

Which contradicts the (incorrect) information they gave earlier (that the switch is purely to HDTV). To get the most out of the switch, you need a HDTV, but there are digital TVs of lower quality that will work perfectly fine (and better than analog TVs do now) after the switch. Even analog TVs with digital converters, although they won't provided better resolution, are expected to get better reception.

There is no need to get a HDTV to be able to watch televison after the change, a digital television will work just fine (and better than current analog ones). Of course, an HDTV will work even better if you want to pay out the extra money.