Okay, my last question about the switch to digital in '09?

Only those receiving their TV from an antenna are directly affected.

However, things are more complicated than they seem.

The cable companies have agreed to continue to supply analog versions of the local over the air digital TV until 2012, or furnish converter boxes.

So, while no changes are tied into the 2/17/09 date, that doesn't mean that none will occur. A lot depends on the capacity of your specific cable network.

Those that upgraded their systems in anticipation of the digital changes provably have enough bandwidth to continue to furnish the analog channels and still add digital and HD channels.

Those who have not upgraded may be forced to eliminate some or all of their analog channels in order to have room for digital. The agreement allows them to do this as long as they furnish a converter which will allow you to watch the digital channels on your analog TV. That doesn't mean you won't have to pay for the converter.

If a converter is needed, it's not the same as the over the air converter that the $40 coupon applies to.

I wish I could give you a more definitive answer, but it's all up to the individual cable companies. There are already sporadic reports of specific channels being converted to digital by some providers.

There's no question that the cable companies will be putting pressure on customers to purchase digital services.

I dont know where all these other cats are getting there info from but. . . You will not be effcted at all by the digital tv transition if you have cable of any kind, (basic cable, digital box or whatever). The switch ONLY will effect those who have no cable or satellite service. The upcoming digital transition is ONLY for the over the air broadcasting system. If you receive your tv picture with an antenna and an antenna only, will you have to get a coverter box. And these boxes are coming from the government, it has nothing to do with your cable provider at all. The digital to analog converters will be available at all electronics retailers for a price of $40 to $70. And you can get a voucher for reimbursment from the government by going to the (NTIA digital-to-analog conversion box coupon program) website and requesting them or calling a 1-800# that I currently dont have . So you can keep everything you have the exact same until 2012 at the earliest. Sorry for the rant at the end but you have nothing to worry about for the next few years at least.

The digital switchover in Feb. 2009 ONLY affects over-the-air full power broadcast TV stations and those you receive TV with an antenna or rabbit ears NO one else will be effected.

Cable is exempt since they broadcast using wires and not the over the air frequencies. If you get your TV via cable the change over WILL not affect you.

Basic cable will continue in analog for some time. Just look at the number of people who have analog TV sets.

When the cable system chooses to stop analog basic cable is a marking question for the cable system. The cable system is NOT required to go digital. They may elect to go digital or a combination of digital and analog or stay analog. It is up to them.

As long as people want to buy the analog signal the cable system will continue to supply it. There is NO!!! government directive to telling them what format they must broadcast in.

Basic-Basic cable will be around in analog for a long time.

The cable system will give you plenty of notice that they are dropping analog service. Cable systems have agreed that they will NOT stop analog until at least 2012.

You can stay with Basic Cable for now....when they go full digital you'll get a notice about 3 months before, that you need to schedule an appointment to get the converter box for your TV sets....

Everything is being dealt with by the cable company.

That other poster is an idiot.

You won't have to upgrade at all! You'll just have to buy a digital box that is around $40 at any Best Buy