VCRs endangered by shift to digital TV

The venerable VCR is one of the unsung casualties of the move to digital television.

[James Anderson Merritt]

This is c&r(a_p. Over on the radio side, HD Radio is completely compatible with existing receivers, though quality of reception may suffer after the switch. Since we can't get completely analog-compatible digital TV, at least we need on the video side a service (ala Netflix) that delivers ALL network television programs via DVD.

Shame on the FCC, for forcing us all into a digital future that was made necessary only because the government wanted to auction off the old analog tv spectrum space to higher bidders.

[commenter2001]

I agree. Total cr*p. This is the first I've heard about the effect the change will have on VCRs.

Just at a time when many people will have to cut non-essentials from their budgets, they will have to forgo time-shifting or pay more.

This is an evil plot to force people to pay for more services (DVRs).

[ALL AMERICAN HAWK]

LUCKILY MY CABLE BOX ALREADY HAS A DVR BUILT INTO IT.I CAN STILL ENJOY MY PRERECORDED DVD'S AND TAPES.

[Boby M]

THe VCR will still have its place in most home entertainment systems for a few more years. There are a lot of computer programs available for resonable prices to convert VHS to DVD. We're simply seeing todays built-in obsolesence to push the consumer to continually purchase the latest electronic format. Old BIll Gates has a winning business plan! Detroit used the similar priciples back in the 1970's. Their cars only lasted about 4-5 years before they fell apart and became costly to maintain. It's the reason the Japanese auto makers lept in with reliable vehicles!

[Mr Lapin]

This may be "collateral damage," but it's certainly not out of line with what the producers want. They've never liked consumers' ability to record movies and programs for personal use and permanent preservation. They'd much rather you gave them your hard-earned money for these items.

The digital future includes much tighter control over what consumers can do with program material. I hope I'm wrong, but it appears to me that their ultimate goal is to charge us for every time we watch a program or movie in our own homes.