Difference between DVD and Blu-ray?

[Tom_Ryan]

Originally Posted by Jeffhs

... The government cannot declare analog sets illegal, ....

Are you sure about that? Radar detectors are illegal to use (possibly own) in some States ...perhaps because speeding can harm someone if there's an accident? While I can't imagine harming someone by simply watching an old analog TV set? ...please correct me, I could be wrong ...it might offend some politician if they can't be seen in the glory of 1080p which is completely counter intutive to Governments generally thought to be slow, prone to error, lacking resolution, grey area policies or taking a black & white stand on most issues. I still remember when I was a wee tyke my Dad's Philco 41 radio had a label on the back of it stating that it was unlawful to operate without a license. Apparently that law fizzled. Still have the radio packed away somewhere. In any event, I'm sure I won't vote for anyone that raises taxes or abolishes the ownership of analog TV sets or there use! Nay, not me.

Keep in mind, we live in an age where the Government tried but failed to keep out of the public domain some of the strongest and most durable public key ciphers to protect data introduced by the computer industry. So, I think the whole argument of the demise of analog, while very real, is being driven by big business and greedy Governments looking for ways to collect tax. The wireless industry in America is partly responsible for driving the FCC to consolidate spectrum which generates billions of dollars in Government revenue. Digital TV is more spectrum efficient compared to analog broadcast standards - that means more stations per MHz and more taxes. It's all about money. It's not about mom and dad needing higher resoltuion of anything. Even an old GE Portacolor is good enough for me! Regardless of the outcome, collectors of old TV sets will likely still be able to enjoy their use. Ganted it may be more inconvenience becuase of required convertor boxes or agile modulators to generate the necessary RF signals. Hey, then again ....this can be also be a technical hobby, right?