Early 2009 set for end of analog TV

[geekerati]

The bill just barely squeaked through.. recount.

It's finally official: American households must ensure their televisions are equipped to receive solely digital TV broadcasts by Feb. 17, 2009.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday cleared the deadline for shutting down analog broadcasts. Part of a broader budget reconciliation bill that passed by a narrow 216-214 vote, the measure heads next to the White House for President Bush's signature.

The approved bill's language on digital television is identical to a version cleared by the Senate just before its winter recess. The broader bill had been bogged down because of disagreements among politicians over some of its other myriad provisions.

The 2009 deadline will not affect the vast majority of Americans who already subscribe to cable or satellite TV. But households relying on an antenna to receive "over the air" analog broadcasts--an estimated 15 percent of American households--must acquire a digital tuner to continue receiving TV shows.

CNET Read more..

[joebeningo]

wow very interesting read there

i recently bought an lcd hdtv and im all set it appears to be digital