So pretty much everyone in the tech bus has heard about the digital conversion that will happen in 2009
http://www.dtv.gov/

Consumers who rely on antennas (including outside antennas and "rabbit ears") to receive over-the-air broadcast signals on TV sets having only analog tuners will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog set-top converter boxes to watch over-the-air TV. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on analog TVs. Analog sets connected to such converter boxes will display digital broadcasts, but not necessarily in the full, original digital quality.

Cable and Satellite TV
Cable subscribers may need new DTV equipment to view DTV programming in digital format. You should ask your cable provider what you will need and when.
Satellite subscribers may need new DTV equipment to receive and view high definition digital programming. You should ask your satellite company what you will need and when

So..my question is...(and maybe I have to take it up with Comcast)....
If I am using cable at home, without the cable box, (coax into TV/Tivo), will I have to buy a converter?
How can one tell if their TV has said digital tuner?

I am a bit OCD, and I hate having lots of different boxes and such. i just want a single method of changing channels, and I won't be buying a new TV for a while. (until prices drop).

I can't fucking wait. Will give me an excuse to get a new TV and switch back to antenna signal lol. Should be able to get about 25-30 stations on antenna once the switch is mad, all stations on antenna will be digital (obviously you will need a digital antenna).

I know boxes here for conversions will be between 300-500 dollars according to some sites. (I'm In Canada). Out switch is a bit more realistic though, ours in in 2011. I guess you can look at it both ways saying that we are behind the times, but I think holding off a little longer gives people time to get newer tvs at lower prices. I think mainly they want people to have new tvs instead of using converter boxes.

I have satellite TV so it doesn't affect me too much really.

No dk. For analog cable, such as that going directly into a TV/TiVo, you will NOT need a converter. 'cause, fortunately, the FCC is requiring cable providers to continue supporting that scenario for at least a few more years.

I am also looking forward to the OTA (over-the-air) migration and seeing all of the digital channels that can be tuned in as a result. Plus, all the possibilities that those unused analog frequencies bring to the table.

This post does remind me though that, now that we're past the New Year, I need to go request my converter coupon from the government, so I can try stuff out on an analog television.

P.S. 379 days and counting ...

I don't think the FCC is even able to stop the cable companies from sending an analog signal because the cable companies are transmitting it through their own cable lines (not public airwaves). I expect the cable companies will keep offering an analog signal for as long as a significant number of people are subscribing to it. Hopefully newer TVs will eventually stop including analog tuners.

Thanks for the clear up Taco..this is why I was confused.
http://www.comcast.net/help/faq/index.jsp?...TV_Planner18658

To my understanding, this switch ONLY affects antenna, not wire based TV.

they'll sucker people with (for example) MuchMusic, MuchEdge, MuchVibe and other similar channel 'flavours.' I'll fall for it. (although I'll leave out said mainstream music stations).

I will call comcast today. I got some more insight on this. Taco was right on the money. Long as I have any sort of cable service, I'm fine. Its only affecting the over the air tuners.

Sounds good dk and you're welcome man.

Thanks. I was already starting to develop my plan in case I was forced to upgrade.

New Tivo HD, using composite video out to my old school TV. Some cable company's boxes can be controlled by the TIVO serial cable, but sadly, mine cannot. So I was ready to do battle with Comcast to get a new cable box. But the guy on the phone didn't know what a serial port was. I asked him about a serial port and he said "Do you mean a USB port?"

But at least it wasn't in India.

I'm running a TiVo HD right now, it's worth the upgrade even if you don't have an HDTV because of the CableCARD support. I used to have to use one of those crappy IR blasters to change channels, CableCARD is the way to go.

Eh, I'm not using HD, nor a cable box at the moment. (my tivo-less upstairs TV uses the cable box).

If I do have to get a cable box, then i will get the HD tivo. But I'm sure they'll upgrade it.

Its just a shame. Every time I get a tivo, I spend time/money to upgrade the drive. If/when I get the HD Tivo, it'll be the third one I've upgraded, only to shortly replace.