2006-10-23, 08:40 PM
wtg Wrote:With so few people really relying on OTA and a growing sizable number of them with HD capatible sets, it does put the government in the position of being able to cut the signal without too much backlash.
I am amazed by the US residents who tear their hair out over how much they'll pay DirecTV or the cable company for HD, and how much new equipment they'll need. While completely ignoring the fact that digital OTA has grown by leaps and bound quietly in the background for years.
Demand ATSC OTA tuners in your equipment. My AverTVHD A180 card works quite well with GB-PVR. My DIY PVR will continue to provide service long after analog OTA goes dark.
If you're lucky, you may even receive ATSC with a set of rabbit ears.
I subscribe to DishNetwork and have pretty much given up on satellite HD service any time soon. At a bare minimum I'll require a new receiver and a new service plan that will cost a minimum US$10/month more. I may even have to get new equipment to see an additional satellite slot.
However, I have a middling VHF/UHF/FM antenna in my attic which feeds my HDTV and HTPC with a constant stream of digital TV (HD is usually reserved for prime time). All for "free" considering I installed the antenna years ago when my local channels weren't yet carried on the satellite.
Those of you concerned about encrypted QAM and CableCARD would do well to at least give OTA digital broadcast a try.
(We'll talk about HDCP another thread.
