by Summer Tyme

Created on: June 16, 2008

Digital Television Is Coming Whether We Want It Or Not.

The question being asked in this debate is whether we should be forced to have only digital television. The only logical answer is a definite 'No'.

As it stands right now, without cable or satellite, it is impossible to have more than a few selections of stations to view. Some areas of the country do not have the option of cable at all and many citizens find satellite too expensive. No one is forcing them to choose to install a satellite and sign a contract. They know they must be limited in their abilities to watch certain programs and stations due to the choices they make. No one is forcing them to make changes. If cable is unavailable and satellite too expensive, then they make the decision to live without the extras in reception.

But forced change is rapidly approaching early in 2009. At that time, if one does not have cable, they must purchase equipment that will allow them to view the new digital programming. Most televisions in the homes of Americans today are not the high definition kind. It will be necessary for these individuals and families, to buy a converter box. And if the family has more than one set, they will be forced to make even more expensive choices.

There will be a limited number of converter boxes available to those households that do not have cable and cannot afford to buy them. It will be necessary to make request for these. If the family does not qualify for government assistance in obtaining an electronic converter box, then it will be left up to them to purchase it, or go without television. At all.

In those areas where there is no cable, it will be impossible for the public to watch television unless they buy the box to convert the signal. And the current televisions using rabbit ears or outside antennas will no longer work.

Why should we, the public, be forced to spend money we don't have, to either purchase the new equipment or buy cable services, where it's available? This may be out of the range of many to afford. Especially with the rise in other necessary expenses, such as food and fuel, television could be a thing of the past for the poor who do not qualify for a government donated box.

And all of this is totally unnecessary. No one has asked the public what we think. No one has come forward with a good reason, a necessary reason, for the change, and explained why it is happening.

Is this an attempt to force the poor and middle class into a situation where they are without television news and therby uninformed? Is it solely to line the pockets of those who manufacture electronic equipment and products? Who really benefits the most from this major change? Not the public for a certainty.

So when asked if Americans should be forced to make the changes necessary to have high definition television, the answer is 'No, absolutely not'.

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