captaincranky - It seems that there are 3.3 million *****s that still need it!
No 3.3 million who want it and to a lesser extent a small number who really need it (but how many of them are disabled, on a fixed income and or on social security?)
OK, the digital TV transition has been the most protracted propaganda campaign I've ever seen, bar none. This has been going on Literally for years. It seems that there are some who will never be ready and that's about it. I know plenty of people that cut you off when you try to explain the technology to them, so I guess that's the government's fault that they get left behind. Because God know's, I've tried every approach I could think of to dumb it down for them.
captaincranky - Well, if you'll allow me some "handholding"... The digital converter boxes have composite video and audio outputs…
To record digital television you need an ATSC tuner recorder (Tivo) that allows you to schedule basic weekly times and channels for shows, or an analog recorder with an infrared blaster to change the channels for you on that $60 digital tuner box.
That's all well and good, but I simply don't think the seniors that you're championing are likely to do all the "power taping that you're describing. In fact, I'll bet that there quite a few that can't set the clock on a VCR, let alone schedule a recording. So much for keeping up with technology.
Unless you’re planning on recording the same channel (single - as in one), a simple connection to a VCR does not make the VCR a digital recorder.
Yes, admittedly it's a one shot deal. But here again, the same people likely wouldn't be able to deal with Tivo, much less PVR software on a computer.
JDoors - In my experience, if you have sufficient signal from a rooftop antenna for analog TV, you won't need to upgrade the antenna. Just plug in the signal converter to your TV.
Funny thing is – Never had a whole house antenna, but I had an old Cobra CB antenna and it works fine with my Digital converter box (just have to clip and attach a RG6 connector). Walla!
At last we agree on something, there's no such thing as a "digital antenna".
JDoors - Unfortunately, that's typical for ANY government subsidy. Prices go up so they get paid by the consumer, AND AGAIN by the government. :/
If you want to rail against something, my vote goes to the medicare prescription drug program, now that's a pork barrel bonanza
And the needy never get product or service the subsidy was meant for… it figures…
there are certainly people who will get behind in this transition, But, I doubt that they are all the victims you make them out to be. In addition to which, Walmart is now selling 2 models of CEC boxes @ $49.95, so now the "co-pay" is down to 10 bucks.
If only the Nielsen ratings company sponsored their own brand of digital boxes and offered on screen caller ID, scheduling (but not recording) and (to their benefit) ratings information to be telephoned periodically from those boxes for analyst (to give them actual numbers) for their ratings… things could be cheaper... or better served.
I wonder how often Neilsen changes their demographics.
IMHO, the digital conversion is the best thing that ever happened to broadcast TV. I live in the city, and the TVRI is so intense, that I wasn't able to get anything below channel 10 for as long as I could remember. The fed gave me plenty of time to prepare, and most every local analog TV station has been offering call in help, and plenty of air time devoted to the transition. The horse has been led to the water, and tied to a post.
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