Will having the HD package on cable mean anything after February?

Question

Cable companies currently market the upgraded package with "XX" of HD channels...will that mean anything after February? Is it a waste of money to get this package now since it is required after Feb. 1.

Answer 1

It doesn't mean that after February you will get all HD channels. All it means is that they will all be Digital, but not necessarily HD. It's going to be a long time before all channels are HD...probably a couple of years.

So yes, get the package now...you can always switch it down the road.

I have Time Warner in my office in L.A., terrible selection of HD channels. I have Dish Network at home, amazing selection of HD channels.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The HD package will be a moot point after Feb 1. Since everyone will have to broadcast or rebroadcast in HD on that date it isn't worth a dang thing.

This is a GOVERNMENT edict that all broadcast channels go HD by Feb 1.

All new TV sets sold for about the last 5 years are already HD capable.

All new connections to Cable or Satellite for about that long have the converter in the reciever boxes also so if a person has an old set they are covered.

Answer 3

It means nothing. Digital broadcasting over the air or Cable TV stations or satellite broadcasters do NOT have to broadcast anything in high definition. It is up to the station if they want to broadcast in high definition or standard definition.

The only requirement is that in February all Over-the-Air TV broadcasting in analog must end. Cable/Satellite can continue analog broadcasting, as can low power TV stations.

The law says nothing about any station having to broadcast anything in HD

Cable/Satellite are not required to do anything. They can but do not have to.  Cable and Satellite provide programs in HD if they want to and MOST do because providing them makes the stations/systems more money but that is the only reason they broadcast/carry HD.  Over the Air TV stations broadcast in HD  because then can charge higher ad rates for HD broadcasts.  

It is NOT government directed.