Analog TV cut-off: Puzzlement and outrage

Rogers replies: In fact there has been some informal discussion about recycling programs that are partially funded by manufacturers.  But since analog sets will still be useful for watching DVDs, video tapes and video games, the odds are that there won’t be an immediately massive disposal situation.

Wayne Collins, Tampa, FLA: Here in Florida when a hurricane comes through and tears out your cable lines, for now at least you can put on the old trusty rabbit ears until the power goes out. This is legislation that will affect public safety during catastrophes.

Dave Skinner, Colorado: I understand that technology needs to move forward but why is it always on the back of the average person?  I don't need a new TV, I need lower medical costs, a secure social security system and how about a reasonable cost for fuel to get me to work.  Maybe Congress should pass a law that would require all analog manufacturers and retailers to provide the conversion boxes FOR FREE. China would choke on that one... but maybe it’s about time Congress started protecting the people that make up the United States instead of lining China's pockets.

Jamie, New Lenox, IL: As one of the seeming minority of Americans who still uses an antenna and an older set, I'm upset that the government can make these changes.  We haven't caved to the pressures of cable or satellite TV, despite the fact we could afford it, simply because we don't want to afford it.  The fact that we settle for an older set so that we can save more for our retirement (30+ years in the future) now seems like it's going to cost us more.

Anon: I think the whole idea of subsidized converters is ridiculous.  I understand that low-income people NEED food, but no one NEEDS television.  The fact is: many children could stand a little less TV in their day. Not having food will kill you, not having TV is just an inconvenience.

Crista Renouard, Houston, TX: I'm one of those 15 percent'ers who only have the broadcast channels. No cable whatsoever. If the cut-off happens in 2006, I won't do anything about it. TV is such garbage that I really don't care.

KMD, Azusa, CA: I live alone and make $30,000 annually. However, I cannot afford cable or to buy a receiver.  With the high cost of housing now, every purchase is thought out at length.  I work two jobs just to make ends meet. I have 2 small television sets and only receive about 7 channels.  The public should have been notified about this 2 years ago.

Don Warrenburg, Bottineau, North Dakota: I live in a rural area 80 miles from the nearest towers, and I use an antenna to get my television stations. I'm not home enough to justify paying for cable and satellite. I would like to watch HDTV but they would need to install repeaters to get a useable signal out here. I don't think the networks are going to want to spend the money in our little area of the world. Those are just some thoughts from a small rural community that probably won't make any difference to most people.  This does make a difference to me though.

D.J. Colbert, Gambrills, MD: My mom's in her 70's.  She likes to watch the Today Show every morning, but doesn't WANT cable or a new TV. It works well for her and she's used to it; she doesn't want to relearn something she's been doing for all her adult life.  Longevity being what it is today, she'll probably live another 25-30 years.  Tell Congress they can "convert" all of us AFTER my Mom passes away. 

Rhonda, Oklahoma: I think that it is wrong to change the way television is now.  Most of my friends and I would not have TV except for free TV. We are just trying to make it and we do not have the extra finances to afford a box for our TV just to make it work.  Congress will be sending most of us into the dark ages due to others’ greed if they pass this rule.

Karen, Baltimore, MD: I think the warning labels should be on TVs now.  I am upper middle class but would never pay for TV--cable is just 100 channels of more crap.  But, I do own TVs and purchased one for my daughter the other day--with no idea it could soon need a converter box.

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