It doesn't make sense for them to switch to HDTV. (Score 1)

Saddly it doesn't make sense for the broadcast companies including cable to switch to HDTV. When the broadcasters were negotiating with the FCC they were given extra broadcast range for a few years at no cost with which they are suppose to start broadcasting HDTV signals. In the final stages of the negotiation they were able to slip a clause into the regulations that allowed them to use this extra broadcast range for standard channels. They are going to make alot more money broadcasting (and selling) additional channels then they would if they were broadcasting the same channels in HDTV. Unless you've got at least a 36" TV your really not going to see the benefits of HDTV over a digital signal. So in a best case scenario you've got to consider the market as that group of people who will spend the money on a 36" or larger TV. This is assuming that the cost of the HDTVs would approach a standard TV once they increase in production and they are further along in the sales curve that is catching the people willing to pay the high prices now. Everyone is going to have to take the hit of up-front costs if were going to be in the era of HDTV anytime soon. Both the studios, broadcasters, and manufacturers. Japan pushed it to hard ten years ago and now they've got a system that is becoming obsolete and incompatible. The US has been battling over standards for 10 years which has put us on the other end, behind the times. What we really need to do (U.S.) is follow the success of the implementation of the wireless phones in Europe if its going to be a success. Anyway, it's all messed up but I can't wait to get mine!