"klem kedidelhopper" wrote in message
...

Recently we were notified by our local cable provider that they will
be eliminating the present analog service and going to all digital. I
realize the advantages this affords them and their digital customers.
However there are a great many of us who still have all our old analog
equipment, and don't give a rats ass about HD, never had and never
will. We just want to watch TV.

So now they tell us that even if we were to go out and purchase new
digital sets they won't work because the digital channels will be
"encoded" or scrambled if you will. Each analog device will need to
have a little converter, (a box a little larger than a pack of
cigarettes). This box will process the digital channels and provide a
channel 3 NTSC output. You can only get this box from them and
it must be rented every month.

Comcast did this about a year ago. Except Comcast doesn't directly charge
for it. It's unfortunate that your cable service charges -- but the device
eliminates the need to buy a new receiver. You'll also find that the picture
quality is somewhat better.


Is this even legal? Why should anyone go out then and buy a new
digital TV with a tuner? You will be paying for a tuner that you will
never be able to use. Might as well just buy a monitor. Is there any
way around this?

It's perfectly legal -- unless there are laws regulating it, which I doubt.

I have a 32" Vizio HDTV in my den. (It's on as I'm writing.) It cost less
than $400 at Costco, and has a gorgeous picture, with a near-180-degree
viewing angle. (Yes. Really.) Once you've seen HD even on a 32" screen, you
will change your mind.

Most cable systems have a "base" service that covers local TV and FM
broadcasts and (sometimes) a few cable networks. These operate on
frequencies different from those used by the "digital transport" device. If
this is satisfactory, you might want to switch.

This is a classic exampe of a situation where "the government" should use
tax money to build the infratstructure, then allow businesses to compete.


Thanks, Lenny.

You're welcome, George.