By July 2004, all HDTVs [larger than 36 in] should include HD Tuner.

[Smokey]

And that is according to FCC.

Beginning this summer, American consumers for the first time will be able to receive digital high-definition television (HDTV) programming via cable without the need for a set-top box. In fact, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced today that by year's end, more than one million so-called "Digital Cable Ready" (DCR) HDTVs are expected to be sold in the United States.

With July 1, 2004 signifying the start of the FCC's requirement for large-screen TVs with built-in off-air DTV tuners and the CableCARD implementation date, DTV manufacturers are working to provide American consumers DTV products that suit their reception needs.

CableCARDs are to be available directly from operators beginning July 1 - the date by which cable multiple system operators (MSOs) with digital systems (of 750Mhz) are required to support FCC-endorsed Digital Cable Ready standards.

Under terms of the landmark cable-consumer electronics "plug-and-play" DCR agreement, CEA officially notified Cable Television Laboratories Inc. (CableLabs) today that more than a half million Digital Cable Ready HDTVs are expected to be on the market through Sept. 30, with more than a million HD sets and cable subscribers needing a CableCARD by the holiday season.

That same number of CableCARDs will be needed to support the rollout of the dual ATSC-cable tuner integrated television sets.

Here is the rest of article from Consumer Electronics Association:

http://www.ce.org/press_room/press_r...l.asp?id=10467

[Smokey]

By July 2004, all HDTVs [larger than 36 in] should include HD Tuner.

Sorry, that should read: By July 2004, all HDTVs [36 in and larger] should include HD Tuner.

[IsmaVA]

I hope this doesn't end up like cable-ready tv's, with cable companies moving most of their line-up to the encrypted channels, leaving so called "cable-ready tv's" capable of tunning only QSV . . . .

Today every tv comes with a cable tuner and still most cable subscribers uses a cable box :-(

[Smokey]

I hope this doesn't end up like cable-ready tv's, with cable companies moving most of their line-up to the encrypted channels, leaving so called "cable-ready tv's" capable of tunning only QVC . . . .

Today every tv comes with a cable tuner and still most cable subscribers uses a cable box :-(

You know, I never thought about that. For scrambled [premium] HD channels. the consumer will need some type of a box.

We may be back to square one in this issue

[IsmaVA]

We'll see . . . . .:-\