All PVR

Cable Companies, like Al Capone, think they can muscle you into submission by cutting off your ability to use analog TV signals. Well, according to the FCC, 40 million Americans still use “rabbit ears” and analog TV’s, and they think those people should have choices. Elliot Ness would be proud.

Originally slated for February 2009, the FCC’s “digital transition” has been reviewed and extended to 2012. “Digital transition” means that the use of analog (over the air) broadcast signals will be eliminated, and replaced with digital broadcasts (over cable). All consumers will require a digital TV or converter box to watch their favorite programs. No more rabbit-ears. It hasn’t been decided yet whether the cable companies will have to convert a signal before it leaves the station, or whether they will need to send all relevant customers converter boxes. Either way it could be expensive for them (which, in turn, could be expensive for us). It’s really anyone’s guess what the future holds.

In 2012, the FCC will review the stats again and make another determination. If they decide that America is ready, they will only require cable companies to broadcast in Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD), instead of SD, HD, and Analog signals.

Whatever… I say it’s good news for all of you “old-school technology” lovers out there (like me, you remember 8-track tapes and own AM radios). Long live VCRs and “floor TVs”!

Thanks to: arstechnica.com