My dad and my uncle both just bought new tv sets. They got fantastic deals on them because they bought standard analog sets. They know of the upcoming switch to digital but, both of them belive that they will be able to get some type of converter to use. Do you think this is true or will thier new sets be pretty much useless in a couple of years.?

E-dogg The theory is you can keep your old analog set till it gives up the ghost. Even if the full digital transaction finally occurs. DA converters will be sold for non-digital TV’s. With prices expected to drop dramatically for the price of ‘tuners’, by the time it’s necessary. My experience has been anytime you start adding in converters in audio or video there can be degradation. Hopefully the units will be inexpensive and well built and loss will be kept to minimum. Its agreed the pic will not be as good as a straight digital feed.
When I first saw this topic, -there was (in general) web threats that America would force a class action suit if all the analog sets blinked out cross the US. Most of the FCC’s rulings include the 85% standard. (by what measuring stick?) The rollout has been repeatedly delayed and some form of cheap converter appear more likely to me as the interim resolution if the switch hits with a large percent left of analog sets in use.

Here is both some newer and older reading on the topic. Note that every 6 months it appears rulings change and/or are modified. But it will come, - tortoise or hare.

IT’S A MAD MAD WORLD in AV currently across many levels

http://newsobserver.com/front/story/3070937p-2796276c.html
Specifically address should you buy analog?

http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/200311/msg00025.html

Here’s an older summer 2002 article that was good.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A61752-2002Aug8?language=printer


[This message has been edited by Smart Little Lena (edited December 16, 2003).]

Thanks for all the info.