oK,.maybe the FCC didnt quite say it that way,.but not too far from that. I recently read a story on either USATODAY or ABCNEWS (i forget the source), that detailed this issue. I googled and also found this interesting link as well.....
http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html
Basically,.for those of you that dont know,..the FCC is planning to have all analog television signals go completely obsolete in 2009. Once complete, ALL TVS in the United States can only recieve a digital signal. The government is proposing a program to distribute certificates to be given out for free,..so that financially challenged citizens can obtain a free analog/digital television converter box. (i.e. the government doesnt have the financial capability of ensuring that every citiizen can get a box,.so quantities are very limited...to the point that these government-issued boxes may even be collectors items)
.......is our government insane?...have they gone out of their mind?. The reason the government/FCC is giving us for this massive transitioning is that analog signals take up too much spectrum, and that once the digital transition is complete, it will free up spectrum and allow for additional emergency frequencies to be carried. They want us to believe this...but do you?
There are some thoughts that cross my mind on this,..and its nothing thats aforementioned. I think some of the reasons for this transition is that the government is developing some sort of top secret survelliance device, and needs increased spectrum for optimum performance. We live in the post 9/11 realm, and espionage and surveillance are all the norm in this day in age,..so my theory is not far fetched.
Another theory is that the government has been pursuaded by television manufacturers to go forth with this transition so everyone is forced to plunge down about $1,000 or so for one of those nice flat-screen plasma High-Def television sets sold at your favorite retailer.
I think the date that this is all supposed to happen is Feb 19, 2009....can you imagine all the circular advertisements that will be stuffed in your Sunday paper??? Best Buy, Circuit City, Costco, Wal-Mart, Radio Shack....anyone and everyone that sells electronics,.and especially Digital TVs are sure to cash in on this wonderful date...Im sure that the prices for digital Tvs during this time will not be cheap,..even those nice converter boxes will cost you dearly.
And lets not forget that the crime rate is sure to go up after this conversion is completed...thats right folks,..for those less fortunate who simply cant afford to go digital,.the good old robber tactic will be employed by the hundreds. This means while you are away from home,..theres a good chance your digital Tv will be gone when you return back.
I dont think theres anything wrong with analog signal. Im sure that digital is much better, more reliant, sharper picture, etc. You know...if the goverment wants to pursue this,..they should do it THE RIGHT WAY!!,..which is,.passing a legislation that would impose severe penalties for any electronics retailer that dared to gouge their prices high during this conversion. Maybe those of you that are reading my thread can take heed to this advice and start contacting your attorney general and senators/congressmen.
So analog Tv is going away....what is next?...Analog radio?...dial-up internet?...how bout those analog telephones that many senior citizens still use to this day? ....lets just force the whole nation to move into the 21st century, and let them get eaten alive when they try to purchase the replacement device at their local electronics store.
If the govenrment wanted to piss everyone off and start sporatic riots nationwide, they could announce that on a specific date that all unleaded automobiles will be converted to ethanol-only.
Of course, the government would issue out a very small limited supply of certificates that would 100% pay for the needed conversion from unleaded gasoline to ethanol,..but those vouchers would be extremely rare. And like I said before regarding the digital Tvs...the services being charged by mechanics to do these conversions wont be cheap at all...and the auto theft rate will go up,.especially on new cars that are already 100% ethanol.
MY point is this..if the government is going to step in and try to mandate something,.they need to make sure it is done the right way,.from every aspect...not just try to half-ass it.
This post has been edited by princesskadee: 15 March 2007 - 03:04 PM