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Of course, the first thing I'm going to want when HDTV starts taking over, is a converter box. I'm NOT going to get a new TV. I'm happy watching my old ones. A converter box will become necessary for all of us that routinely watch old sets. Right now, in my compuer room, I've got an early 80's Mitsubishi set connected to a Beta deck that doubles as the cable tuner. As much as I hate to be forced to use NEW technology, I guess I'll have to give in to a converter box. (Shudders at the thought of a cheap, flimsy, uncomfortable plastic-with-crap-mushy-buttons remote control).
Now, I've heard rumors that converter boxes will not be available. I can't truly believe that however. If all transmissions go to HD is a few years, and no converter boxes are available, what the hell is everone going to do? There are MILLIONS of televisions out there, and people are pitching them at an alarming rate, but if they become totally useless, I don't know what's going to happen - around here, you can't put TV's out at the curb anymore, they're considered hazardous waste with all the lead in the picture tube, etc. There's no way the FCC can make all existing television sets and VCR's unusable. I mean, even if new HD sets were $100, that's still an awful lot of money for a lot of people.
-Ian
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