I would guess they are aiming to broadcast all shows in high def, so you'll get the best effect with an HDTV. But you'll still be able to watch them on a tube tv. But that's just my guess.

You're lucky JD. I enjoy tv too much, but I don't have money for a new tv-not when I don't even own my own home!

I know! My husband thought it was going to be so you couldn't even watch regular tv without HD at some point.

It's a conspiracy I tell you. A conspiracy.

By 2008 all broadcasters MUST broadcast in HDTV, but that was already pushed back from an original date of 2006 I beleive.

Old TV's will work with the signal for the forseeable future I beleive, you just won't get the benefits of the better picture. If that's not the case then they have to transmit both signals for like 15 years or something. I'm not sure which it is, but I know for sure they said people weren't going to have to make the switch against their will for a long time.

I wish they WOULD force them into HDTV sooner because I have an HDTV and I'm sick of paying an extra $10 to the cable company for their HDTV channels. If the networks were only streaming HDTV cable would have to go back to just charging for their service equally to everyone.

In fact, I've been thinking of picking up an HDTV antenna and tuner anyay. I could just get rid of cable and still get all the local channels in HDTV. But I really love my DVR I have with cable. I NEVER watch anything live anymore. Even if I could, I'll wait until the shows been on for 10 minutes so I have a little recorded and can skip the commercials.

Turns a 30 minute sitcom into on 20 minutes. GOTTA LOVE IT!

Here are the facts straight from the FCC.

See post below.....

-- Edited by ray925 at 10:12, 2006-01-17

OK. I'll just copy and paste. Here it is.....


Digital Television FCC
Consumer Facts


Background

Digital Television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with movie-quality picture and sound. It can also offer multicasting and interactive capabilities.

Why Are We Switching to DTV?

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DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current broadcast technology, which uses "analog."
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For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog programming channel, a broadcaster will be able to provide a super sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" DTV programs simultaneously. Providing several program streams on one broadcast channel is called "multicasting." The number of programs a station can send on one assigned digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream. DTV can provide interactive video and data services that easily surpass those in "analog" technology.
*

Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Those portions of the spectrum can then be used for other important services, such as advanced wireless (cellular) and public safety services (police, fire departments, rescue squads, etc.)

What is High Definition TV (HDTV)?

HDTV is a type of DTV service. HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format.

A current analog TV picture can provide resolution of up to 480 horizontal lines. An HDTV picture can have up to 1080 lines, allowing for stunning picture detail.

Widescreen format refers to an image's aspect ratio, which is a comparison of screen width to screen height. Analog television has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 units wide by 3 units high. The aspect ratio of HDTV is 16 by 9, the same as a movie theater screen.

HDTV programs include Dolby digital surround sound, similar to what is used in movie theaters and on DVDs.

When Will the DTV Transition Be Complete?

Television stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming, although they still must provide analog programming until the target date set by Congress for the completion of the transition to DTV - December 31, 2006. That date may be extended, however, until most homes (85%) in an area are able to watch the DTV programming. At that point, broadcasting on the current (analog) channels will end and most of that spectrum will be put to other uses.

Until the transition to DTV is complete, television stations will continue broadcasting on both their digital and analog channels.

How Do I Get DTV?

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Receiving DTV signals over the air requires an antenna and a new DTV receiver that can decode the digital signals. In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air for all analog TV signals (VHF and UHF) will work for DTV reception.
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Cable and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) subscribers will need a new DTV receiver and other special equipment to view DTV programming in its digital formats. A "Plug-and-Play" or "Digital Cable Ready" DTV or other device for digital cable customers plugs directly into the cable jack and does not require a separate set-top box. You must also obtain a CableCARD from your cable company to receive scrambled programming and premium one-way services.
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A listing of the operational DTV stations is available at www.dtv.gov. Satellite TV providers and most cable systems are currently offering DTV programming. Subscribers should check with their service providers to see what programming is available in their area.

Will I Need a New TV?

Your current television will work until analog broadcasting stops. Even after the transition to DTV is over, you will be able to use your current TV with a converter set-top box. Converter boxes for over-the-air broadcasts should be available in retail stores at that time. A converter box can be used to receive DTV signals and change them into the analog format of your current television.

Digital Receiver Availability and FCC Tuner Requirements

Remember, even with a converter, your current analog television will not display the full picture quality of DTV. To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set. The FCC requires that new television receivers include the capability to receive digital TV signals. By March 2007, all TVs are required to have digital tuners built in and eventually manufacturers will stop making television sets with analog tuners.

Subscribers to cable and DBS services should contact their providers to inquire about converters for these services.

What Do DTV Sets Look Like and What Will They Cost?

Most DTV sets have wider screens than current analog TVs. This widescreen format allows for wider images that are more like those you see in a movie theater. Like current TV sets, a range of sizes is available.

As with most new consumer electronics technologies, DTV sets have become less expensive since their introduction. Prices are expected to continue to decrease over time and will vary depending on screen size, display technology, and other features.

What Is the Difference Between Integrated DTV and DTV Monitors?

An Integrated DTV set is a digital television with a built-in digital decoder or DTV receiver. If you have an Integrated DTV and live in an area served by a DTV broadcast station, you only need an antenna (preferably an outdoor antenna) to receive over-the-air DTV broadcast programming. Integrated TVs (if so stated) can receive and display current analog signals also.

In contrast, a DTV monitor is not capable of receiving DTV programming without additional equipment; it is simply a display device similar to a computer monitor without the computer processor.

A DTV set-top decoder must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display broadcast over-the-air DTV programming. Also, you will need a cable or satellite set-top box.

Confirm with your retailer that the DTV receiver or set-top decoder is compatible and has the proper connectors to interface with the DTV monitor that you are purchasing. Most monitors have a built-in analog receiver and can display analog TV programming. They can also display video from DVD players and VCRs - through their connectors.

Will Integrated DTV and DTV Monitors Display HDTV?

Integrated DTV sets and DTV monitors do not necessarily display programming in full HDTV format. Some integrated sets and monitors will display DTV in lower-resolution "enhanced definition" or "standard definition" format. So although sets may be marketed with labels that imply HDTV resolution (e.g., EDTV), check with your retailer before purchasing if you want HDTV quality.

Why Can’t We Have Both DTV and the Television System We Now Have?

Broadcast and wireless services depend on the use of the airwaves. DTV technology is much more efficient than the current analog technology and will allow the broadcast of more program material using fewer broadcast channels. Transitioning out of analog broadcasting will free up resources for public safety and other new and innovative services for American consumers.

For More Information

For more information about DTV, see the FCC Web site www.dtv.gov.

For information about other telecommunications-related issues, contact the FCC's Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau:

Internet at www.fcc.gov/cgb
Consumer Center: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice
1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY

Address:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554

Thanks Ray,

I forgot the details. I do know that 06 isn't gonn ahappen because they're nowhere near the 85% saturation rate, I think that's been changed to '08 for the moment.

But the notice reminded me about the converters to make the HDTV signal viewable on a regular TV.

I had read an article not that long ago where they were talking about the government offering one free converter to any home that wanted it at some point. They were saying it's only like $35 for that item.