In a message dated 5/2/2000 9:47:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
gemmes@offratel.nc writes:

<< anybody can tell me when exactly is Digital TV supposed to be on the air
 in the US ?
 >>

        It already is.  Several shows are being broadcast (simul-cast, if you 
like such non-words) in normal and digital HD type formats.  Technically you 
can watch these programs using your newer technology.  Can't recall which 
programs those are, but I know some of the daytime soaps do it, and at least 
one of the major latenight talkshows (yeah, I know, just the kind of thing 
you actually want to see and hear so much better.  Oh boy.).  Also, the US 
government passed a law a few years back that the transition has to start in 
a major way in about 04, or 05.  What this means, basically, is that anyone 
who can't afford said technology (like myself), will be stuck watching video, 
laserdisc, or DVD, instead of new programming.  Come to wonder, you think PBS 
can afford the change over?  I know they were having heavy problems and 
trying to lobby against the law (what the heck does the government have to do 
with television anyway?).