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Very soon even broadcast TV reception will require a digital converter for non-digital televisions. Televisions without won't be picking up anything but high quality snowstorms. The existing TV spectrum will be auctioned and re-allocated. Those digital converters shouldn't cost much initially - which will help calm the masses - but I wonder how long before pay-per-view for "enhanced content".
Indications (from hearings minutes, press releases, interviews) suggest broadcasters are pushing hard for a rapid all-digital adoption. The FCC wanted it for 2006. McCain had proposed that the current (?) deadline for digital-only TV sales be extended from 2007 to 2009, and that a chunk of the spectrum auction proceeds go toward providing converters (public frequencies, etc.), but the Senate killed it. It probably will be extended due to lack of consensus between cable, broadcasters, and govt, but I haven't heard about many public hearings. (Memories of the FCC lifting media ownership restrictions back in 2003.)
I haven't been keeping up on things this last year so don't take dates or details as gospel. Regardless, the direction seems clear. Our free television won't remain what we grew up with.
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There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195
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