Do u think that it is wrong that everyone MUST have cable t.v. by feb. 2009.?

Question

where is the freedom of choice?

Answer 1

First, you aren't required to get Cable TV (or Satellite TV). You can choose to get an ATSC tuner for your existing TV, a TV with built-in ATSC tuner, or you can choose to get a satellite dish, or you can choose to subscribe to cable TV, or you you can choose to just rent videos.

Now, do I think this is a pain? Yes. But do you want more cellphones? Do you want more portable computers that network without plugging in?

The reality is that just like some people's homes are bought and destroyed by governments to put in roads, bridges, and freeways, resources like the radio spectrum must be "mowed down" and reallocated to other purposes for "the greater good".

For more information on what is happening and what your options are:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html
http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html

Answer 2

Where do you get your info. It just isn't true.

What IS true is that the American broadcast standard will be for all stations to switch to High Definition technology by the beginning of 2009. That means that all transmitters must put out an HD signal, and no televisions sets will be sold the cannot recieve HD.

It has nothing to do with cable or satellite. It has to do with standardizing the signals, just as they were in the middle of the last century, so that all sets could recieve VHF and UHF signals. If people were left with a freedom of choice, at that time, then they would be buying sets that couldn't receive all signals across the country.

There are some appllications where standardization is a GOOD thing.

By the way. You will STILL have a choice. You can choose not to watch television.

Answer 3

judging by your question you obviously don't entirely know what exactly is set to happen in Feb '09. Everyone isn't going to be "forced" to have cable, satellite, or any other high end television method. It has to do with the way television will be shown to the public from now on. Currently those who don't have cable or satellite or anything else of that nature are currently using analog "over the air" broadcasts. The U.S. is simply making it so that by that time everyone will be receiving all-digital broadcasts and those who don't have the capability yet can either opt to purchase a new t.v. or wait and receive a $40 coupon sent by the government to go out and purchase a digital-to-analog conversion box. So don't worry about it......