Anyone else think that the government having all american tv's switched over to high def?

Question

with the boxes they are giving out and stuff is weird?

sounds odd to me,,, but maybe I don't understand the reason behind this.... can you explain? thanks

Answer 1

They can spy on us easier with the new TVs.

Answer 2

Sony Electronics turned the industry on its ear in the late 1960's and early 70's. They came out with tubes that lasted 20 years or more compared to crappy American TV's. This meant that less money was spent on televisions and repairs during a time span of 40 years or more.

The technology switch that everyone will be facing in 2009 could be to force customers to spend more money on televisions, but I have no way of knowing this. I think it mainly has to do with the demand for higher quality digital technology as opposed to analog technology

A new standard of broadcast signal is going into effect 2-2009. This means that the old cathode ray tube television you may still have will no longer be able to get a signal if you are the type of person who gets tv reception signal from an antenna. Converter boxes will be available for purchase so that these old televisions will be able to get reception. Another thing, most cathode ray tube tv sets will eventually become obsolete simply because the tubes for these televisions aren't being manufactured anymore, simply because the technology has switched to flat panel, which is also a pervasive technology. It's used in IPhones, flat panel monitors, flat panel tvs, etc..It's also a better technology in terms of visual quality, but perhaps not longevity. The longevity issue will improve with time, though.

If you have a pay tv service through cable or satellite, dont' worry about it, you already have a converter box, and you're already getting a digital signal through those pay tv service boxes.

This is actually a very good question and I'm glad someone finally asked, as I still don't know all the answers myself as to why this is being forced upon the consumer. I do know this, it's not government's initiative, this is purely an electronics industry push. And they were able to convince the government (U.S.A.) to give them the ok

Answer 3

The change which will take place in 2009 is from analog to digital transmission of signal. The change will free some of the electromagnetic spectrum for other uses. The switch will not necessarily be to high def.

The boxes are converters to be used with older model televisions that require an analog signal. They may not be free, there will likely be a fee of some sort.

Anyone contemplating a television purchase should ensure that the set is digital compatible.

Answer 4

This has nothing to do with the government. It is just another way of improving service and quality.