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Is HDTV really going to happen by 06!?

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I almost purchased a new TV today...but then I was told that when HDTV becomes mandated in 06 (it already it has been pushed back a few times) all broadcasts will be in HD...AND that all HD broadcast are in the "widescreen" format....So here is the delema...Do you buy a Widescreen NOW and live with black bars on the sides while you are whatching analog TV until 06 (but get to whatch DVDs in widscreen) OR Do you buy a rectangular TV and live with black bars on the top and bottom if (and that is a big) and when HD is actually the dominate broadcast medium....(I have no real problem with the black bars when I whatch DVDs now)
Or is all this like the mandate of the metric system set to have taken place by '80....
Any thoughts, jb

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Re: Look to the past for your answers - SameBoat 22:18:01 02/27/02 (0)
Your delema is what technology to purchase to get future compatability. I constantly suffer through this delema with my PCs (and I thought my EISA/VLB 486DX33 PC would be passed down to my grandchildren).
Don't attempt to get a TV today that will suit your HDTV needs in 2006. By the time HDTV is common place, today's technologies will be obsolete.
DVD players have been mainstream for what 5 years, and already we a change - progressive scan. Damn, I need a new DVD player and TV now. However, even with progressive scan, DVD players sill crank out an analog, 480i/p signal. DVD players are ripe for a change, but they can't change without a matching change in television sets.
I can't predict the future, but I can predict that analog connections will not live long in this HDTV world that you long for.
Good luck.
Re: Is HDTV *really* going to happen by 06!? - mcdonley 12:30:20 02/26/02 (0)
This is a hot debate with no set answer for everyone.
I bought a directview 34" 16:9 HDTV set:

- knowing that DVD movies would look better (no visible scan lines, progressive scan means less motion artifacts, component output means better colors, 16:9 closer to Original aspect ratio),
- knowing that 90% of our viewing was going to be 4:3 cable programming viewed in the "edge stretch" mode.
- thinking that there were no OTA stations, and knowing that I would not put up two dishes to get a few HD channels from dish network and pay $500 for a receiever and then $20-40 per month, or even put up one oval dish and pay $500 for a receiver and then $38 to Direct TV to get HDNet.
(The wife hates pillars and doesn't notice the edge distortion of the auto stretch mode. I notice the edge distortion when I look for it, but after the first five minutes, I am into the show and forget about edge distortion. )
This TV fit the high end of the budget for a living room set that will go to the bedroom eventually.
The set performed phenominally on DVD and both the wife and I were very happy with the expenditure. (Although the wife still thinks I should have considered a bigger rear projection set.)
After having the set for three months, I found out that quite a few people are having success in my area with an antenna in the attic to receive the HD and SD digital signals from Miami 40 miles away. This caused a true HD fever to attack me and I had to buy an OTA receiver and antenna for the attic.
The wife and I are so amazed at the HD images, it would have been worth the extra money to just see one HD station, but as it turns out I get three digital stations with daily HD content (PBS, CBS, and ABC) and one with "DVD quality" content (Fox).
For the next ten years, we are going to see more and more pillars and letterbox bars regardless of the shape of the screen you choose. I end up seeing pillars on my 16:9 sometimes, and even letterbox bars on some movies. I am starting to see more and more letterbox bars on my 4:3 set, in movie broadcasts and some commercials which are using the letterbox bars for the attention getting factor on a 4:3 set. (Those commercials pop to full screen on the 16:9 after a few seconds).
The bottom line, you won't be sorry if you jump in...as long as you realize the world of TV is changing.
Re: What Comes Next After The Olympics For HDTV? - big lobsta 06:08:05 02/16/02 (0)
See story on AudioRevolution.com article at http://www.audiorevolution.com/news/0202/14.hdtv.shtml
All I ask is for a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
- What Comes Next After The Olympics For HDTV?
It has happen--just not available. - big lobsta 18:13:33 02/13/02 (6)
nt
All I ask is for a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
- Re: It has happen--just not available. - OwenMeany 19:27:20 02/13/02 (5)
  You missed the point, the FTC has mandated a total conversion to HDTV by 06...and at least "some boracasting of HDTV" by 04...These dates have been moved a couple of times already..but, as you pointed out, some broadcasts are in HDTV...ie NBC olympic coverage...
  - Nope, please read my point of view - big lobsta 05:45:07 02/14/02 (4)
    The broadcasters will most likely meet the deadline.
    Unless you invest in an airiel and decoder or sat-tv and decoder, it is not available on most cable companies.
    Cable companies have 81.4% of the TV market where as Sat TV only has 18.2% of tv veiwing subscribers. (Source: Satellite Broadcasting Association, figures as of OCtober 2001, http://www.sbca.com/mediaguide/factsfigures.htm)
    In my state there are three HDTV air broadcasters only. Cable TV has 92% of the market here. I will never see HDTV on Cox or ATT here in CT. Their intent is not to carry it though broadcasters will be required to transmit in some form of HDTV.
    
    All I ask is for a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
    - But as an Economist... - Owen Meany 08:06:46 02/14/02 (3)
      you must be open to the fact that if networks convert to airing HDTV, consumers will demand it...Cable companies will either puchase the Sat companies or meet the demand via cable. Either way IF HDTV does in fact become a mainstream the comsumers will get it. But, I am suspect to the underlying premise: Will bradcasts actually be completely HDTV, by 06 or beyond....
      - How did you guess I am an economist? - big lobsta 09:49:05 02/14/02 (2)
        
        In Reply to: But as an Economist... posted by Owen Meany on February 14, 2002 at 08:06:46:
        
        My understanding is that in order for Cable to carry HDTV signal (video 480p, 720p 1080i, audio Digital Dolby, DTS) they have to give up some channels because of the bandwidth requirements. Therefore less channel line up == less revenue.
        The 'must carry' rule, I believe, does not apply to satellite though they are carrying local broadcasters in the largest metro areas (NYC, LA, Atlanta..)
        As for HDTV in the main stream, prior to Sept 11, NYC was the best place for receiving HDTV over the air. This obvious is a setback.
        
        All I ask is for a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
        
        Re: How did you guess I am an economist? - OwenMeany 05:57:06 02/15/02 (1)
        
        In Reply to: How did you guess I am an economist? posted by big lobsta on February 14, 2002 at 09:49:05:
        
        It is in your "profile" (Economi$t)....I am a UC, San Diego Econ Alum...
        
        I forgot that I posted it in my profile - big lobsta 08:27:44 02/15/02 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: How did you guess I am an economist? posted by OwenMeany on February 15, 2002 at 05:57:06:
        
        I received my BA from Central CT State U and MBA from U of Hartford. I do a lot of tax policy analysis for the legislature here in CT. Before that it was electric utility economics. Demand side planning ect.
        All I ask is for a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.

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Is HDTV *really* going to happen by 06!?

Is HDTV really going to happen by 06!?