About the 2009 analog change (DTV, HDTV)
 

I am not sure if this could go here or should be in off topic? Besides the general, what I really do not like about this forced changed is the fact that technically it wipes out 30 years of equipment in one day.

They had to do it, so the broadcasters can move on. Hopefully they'll utilize the open channels for something good.

The open spectrum is set to be sold to wireless online/phone services (bidding ended a month or two ago), and then an expansion to emergency service bandwidth.

Much like oil, the airwave frequencies are a limited commodity. Television was an elephant that had to be replaced with mice.

I will get one of those converter boxes in the meantime. I suppose none of them will still act as a pass-through device even if the box is off (my svhs deck does this, lets the cable signal go through despite the vcr not being turned on)?
I assume on of the newer tivo type devices can accept the newer signals. I use a panny deck (w/Hard drive) to record some shows during the day to watch at home later (nothing I keep). Would need something that can do a variety of channels. I need this unless those digital 2 analog converters do allow pass through while still converting the signal.

Are you recording off Cable or Sat? If so, you don't need to do anything, they do it for you.

well I had the basic service that did not require a cable box. However this past week I did some adding and if I did get the HD box not only would I get a bunch of extra channels and no longer need anything for the 2009 change but I also would save an extra $2.

I find it ironic that for a while I have been paying so much for basic service and that for two dollars less I get a hell of a lot more channels and the stupid box, go figure