I think this is a bit crazy, and I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about it before. Actually I didn’t believe it when I first heard it but apparently it’s true. Congress passed a law just under a year ago requiring all TV broadcasters to switch to broadcasting digitally (and cease broadcasting analog) by 2/17/09. When this happens, probably 99% of existing TVs won’t work anymore, at least without buying a converter (and that assumes the TV has an antenna or other input; most small, portable TVs don’t). So if a person wants to continue watching TV, they’re going to have to purchase new equipment. This seems like a scheme to me. I can imagine that manufacturers lobbied to get this passed, as a way to pressure people into buying new equipment, driving up manufacturers sales. Things like this tic me off. Go here for more info.