wrote in message


performance of converter boxes isnt necessarily worse than a brand new
digital tv, but isnt necessarily better either.


sadly people who have cable, or satellite dont appear very sympathetic
for those who are losing tv.

Why is that sad? If I have sympathy for you will you get better reception?
I have cable because I can't get decent reception with an antenna here. Nor
does broadcast TV have most of the stations I like to watch. TV's have been
made digital capable for a couple of years now so some will not need a
converter. As of March 1, 2007, all television receivers shipped in
interstate commerce or imported into the United States must contain a
digital tuner.

This may be of passing interest. Ware are not the first to change
http://www.answers.com/topic/digital-television
The first country to make a wholesale switch to Digital Over-the-Air
(terrestrial) broadcasting was the Netherlands, in 2006. This was followed
by Finland in 2007. [1] After February 17, 2009, full-power television
stations in the USA will broadcast in digital only. In Canada, this is
scheduled to happen Aug. 31, 2011. China is scheduled to switch in 2015.



In a area with say 10 stations they could offer a pay cable like
service of 40 channels for profit.by subscription.

Competition to the cable and sattelite companies? That may be a good thing.

theres no requirement they offer high definition at all!

Yes, there is even if it is not law. If they don't they will lose viewers.

if your unhappy with any of this call your federal representives,
congress and senate since they are the ones who passed this #@!$%^%
idea.

None of it makes me unhappy. One of my TVs is HD and I like the improved
quality.