Too many gummy bears: http://idle.slashdot.org/story/10/10/28/170207/School-Children-Are-Now-Too-Fat-to-Fit-In-Class-Chairs

This is a cool idea. Another approach is to use lichens, although there might not be enough trees or other suitable substrates nearby.

Yep, I hear ya. I am recording from OTA signals only (no cable) so for me it is not a concern. I have been really impressed with the HDHomeRun for recording OTA HD signals.