Analog TV signal going away. (converter, DTV, convert, cable box)

[SnappyBob]

See article on MSN today.

Best Buy pulls plug on analog TVs - MSN Money

There have been many dates associated with the demise of analog TV. Feb. 2009 is the latest. It is my understanding that the FCC mandates that a certain number of households in an area must be equipped to recieve digital signals before they can take it away. That's why they keep pushing the date back.
It seems from this article that by giving every house hold a $40 coupon for a digital cable box they may be able to satisfy this criteria. It also states that the cable companies must supply an anolog signal until 2012.
I just replaced my conventional TV that went out with another conventional TV for $250. I am already running my main TV off of a DVR from TW. I take it that this means that I will be able to run my present TV without a cable box until 2012. Now what can I do with my two $40 coupons for cable boxes. I wonder if I can go get my two cable boxes and sell one on Ebay.

[KerrTown]

All new TVs must include a digital tuner.

Notice that it's a coupon. You will have to pay the difference. Right now converters can only be sold for $200 or more. Going down to $100 may be possible next year but it won't be successful unless it goes down by $50. Converters are not available until January 1, 2008 and the coupon is only good for 3 months after issue. I'm thinking that DTV is a fad. It will go away soon and come back after the 30 year moratorium is finished.

[SnappyBob]

All new TV's that do not have a digital tuner must have a notice on the TV stating that it is only analog. I just bought one last Sunday.