This is one of the most common questions asked regarding digital television no matter where you live in the world, and while the answer is easy on the surface the reality is cluttered with endless scenarios.
Let's state the easy answer - yes, in order to receive over-the-air digital broadcasts without the aide of an external tuner or set-top box you will need a new television if living in the United States after December 31, 2006.
However, that scenario will not likely affect most people because most Americans subscribe to cable or satellite programming. It's no secret that cable and satellite providers stand to lose a lot of money if they turn off their analog signal overnight. Therefore, here are a couple of scenarios that might occur - the cable/satellite companies will operate as they do now with no change to their subscription packages or they will discontinue their analog, also referred to as basic, programming and require all customers to subscribe to digital cable. Under those circumstances you would not have to buy a new television, but you might be paying more for television programming.
But, it's too early to tell what will happen because the FCC has yet to rule on the responsibility of cable and satellite companies in connection with the crossover to digital from analog - not that they have any standing. But, if cable/satellite companies operate as normal or require people to subscribe to a digital package, it's likely no one will need a new television to receive digital programming because the digital receivers offered by cable/satellite companies already have built-in digital-to-analog decoders, which make it possible to watch digital cable on an analog television.
There's a third scenario where cable/satellite companies eliminate the analog signal, and push an all-digital signal without conversion to analog where it would be necessary to own a digital television to view their digital programming. This is the issue the FCC is being asked to weigh-in on by numerous broadcast stations because they are concerned about losing a large percentage of their audience if analog is completely eliminated from television overnight. This is the scenario that would almost be certain suicide for any cable or satellite provider, and probably won't happen until most of the public owns digital televisions.
It's important to note that the changeover from analog to digital is only mandated for over-the-air stations, and has nothing to do with cable or satellite stations, which is why there's speculation over what cable and satellite companies will do. Therefore, short answer turned long - if you are happy with your current television there's no rush to buy a new set tomorrow. Digital is still pretty young in terms of television technology. You can always wait a year before buying and watch technology improve, prices drop, and the digital question to become clearer.To ask a question, send me an email at tv.guide@about.com.
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