Compared to color digital confusing for most

[oldtvman]

When color was introduced and you had a b& w tv. You knew that you would have to buy a color set to watch color

In the digital world things get a little more hazy. Although Feb 09 brings the conversion to the digital format, it doesnt mean a conversion to HD. I don't think the general puble understands that within the new digital format you aren't guaranteed the show will be in HD.

I guess that would be like saying the shows are in color but some only come in pink and green and the rest are broadcast in full color!

[radiotvnut]

I've had to clear up (or, try to clear up) several issues with some people.

1. Just because you have a HDTV does not mean that you are viewing the program in HD. A lot of people seem to think that everything will be HD by 2009. The over the air broadcast has to be digital instead of analog but does not have to be HD.

2. There is no need to trash your old set just because things are going digital. An OTA converter will make the old set work just as well as before. I've talked to several people that bought expensive flat screen TV's because they were made to believe by dishonest sales people that their old TV would be worthless in '09.

3. I've had a few people think that the only TV's that will be effected will by old rotary tuner sets since these are the types of sets that are usually seen on the DTV transition commercials.

4. And then, there are the totally clueless people that will be in for the shock of their life when analog gets turned off. That will be the day when we really hear screaming.

[andy]

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[cbenham]

Someone I used to work with just got his $20 [with coupon] set top box digital converter at R-S, hooked it to his 35 year old 19 inch color set and is thrilled!!! He now receives 35 colorful, clean, clear programs with the rabbit ears
antenna that's part of the old TV. He used to get only 2 or 3 blearly, snowy analog channels with it. So all the old sets need is a good signal to make pretty pictures. ;^)