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brandy681 · May 6, 2007, 04:50 AM

I have recently heard and have been told that standard definition TV will be eliminated in 2009 and everyone will have to get HDTV. I have a question, how will this work? Will everyone have to get a high def TV to get cable, this is my understanding and will cable companies such as Comcast or satellite be sending all cable subscribers new receivers. Already walmart, and electronic stores have basically eliminated standard tv's and HDTV's are expensive, will the price go down by then? I am new to this and have some questions about there plans, thanks

tickle · May 6, 2007, 05:38 AM

That sounds like a very ambitious plan. I don't see that happening. We presently have Bell Expressvue and they present a few high definition channels but we don't have to a have a special TV to receive them. I don't see where our WalMart has eliminated standard TVs. TVs are always being up graded as far as I know.

excon · May 6, 2007, 05:46 AM

Hello brandy:

I went through the time when color TV was just happening. I thought that change was great. This time, however, the change is fantastic. HDTV is like watching a movie. It's great. Even if you don't eat for a week, save your pennies and get one - the bigger the better.

excon

Fr_Chuck · May 6, 2007, 08:34 AM

Actually yes this is a law, and you will still be able to pick up the new signals with speical antennias even without cable, ( there was even a Yahoo news article on this last week of a new company that is going into the antennia business) But yes most of the equipment to change over is already in place. Basically unless congress changes the law, the companies will not be allowed by law to broadcast any other way.

brandy681 · May 6, 2007, 09:00 PM

Thanks for your opinons, I am actually looking forward to HDTV. I am saving the money to get a HDTV and can't wait, I feel so behind in all of this! I do have digital cable and a DVR with Comcast cable and I LOVE the option of recording movies, shows, etc with a click of a button. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do and now I can't live without it. I record soaps and many shows early in the day and watch them later on in the evening.. I also enjoy recording multiple shows at once and even far ahead a time. This is so so much easier than a DVD recorder or recording on a vhs which you have to program, etc. I like the rewind live TV option also and I used to miss a lot of shows because I would be on the computer, at work or busy and I would forget about watching my favorite program and missed a lot! I can't wait to get an HDTV though and I am looking forward to the wonderful clarity.. I hope to get one before the end of the year!

sonicendeavor · May 8, 2007, 08:29 AM

That's not entirely correct. By Feb 2009 broadcasters are required to broadcast in digital format, as opposed to analog (NTSC). This does not mean HDTV, it simply means digital transmission of the content. Some will be high definition, some will be standard definition.

No, you do not have to go out and buy a new TV. Inexpensive converter boxes will be available to convert the digital signal to analog so your existing TV will work just fine. They're working on legislation that would give up to two $40 credits to certain households to purchase a converter.
However, starting in March of this year (2007), TV manufacturers are now required to put digital tuners in all new TV's. They can still have an analog tuner, but they must also have a digital tuner.

I hope this helps clear up the confusion.

Bill