The scariest thing facing our country at present

[hyphenate]

The complete and utter panic of trying to understand what the differences are between analog and digital television. They're rioting in the streets right now, facing the "deadline" coming up for all broadcasters to make their signals digital. The TV manufacturers are having a ball, because people think they must run out and buy an HDTV right now in order to meet the deadline.

Most couch potatoes have no idea what the difference is, and so they deserve to spend lots and lots of money rather than learning all the facts first. :)

[Double T]

1. More Y2K type corporate BS.

NO new TV is required IF YOU have cable TV.

[tridim]

2. Personally I'm glad the switch is happening, HDTV is really nice.

But I understand that it sucks for some folks who can't afford the interim upgrade. IMO the broadcasters and cable providers should pay for basic conversion boxes.

[AndyTiedye]

3. Digital TV Requires a Strong Signal or You Get Nothing

If your over-the-air reception with regular TV is the least bit "snowy", digital TV won't work. At all.

To make matters worse, nearly all of the digital TV signals are on high UHF bands that have much less range than VHF.

The current analog channels (mostly VHF) are going to be sold off for other purposes.

Many rural areas are about to lose their TV.

Though considering what is ON TV, it isn't so much of a loss.

[MedleyMisty]

5. Really?

Because that could have some very interesting effects, positive and negative.

[NEDem]

6. I've found the exact opposite to be true

my parents live outside of the city and got horrible reception over analog. They bought a hdtv at christmas and they are getting excellent signals through digital, still horrible over analog. I guess it all depends on where you are.

[pingzing58]

4. Don't need to buy a conversion box unless your signal is from an antena or bunny ears over your t.v.

[RC]

7. What's this Television thing you speak of?

I know the difference between analog and digital, but who watches tv? What a time waster.
Get a life. Get involved, help save your country. TV? That's for sheeple.

[stevedeshazer]

8. I respect that you don't watch TV.

I resent your telling those who do to "get a life".

That's not cool.

[Skittles]

9. I do agree people watch way too much TV

I do watch a little but refuse to do anything that would encourage me to watch more - it is indeed, for the most part, a huge time-waster

[JamesA1102]

10. Another season of American Idol?

[onethatcares]

11. high def pictures/low def eyeballs.

yup, that's me. Can't tell the difference