Just curious what the consensus is from the forum.
Would now be the worst possible time to buy an HD STB? With the merger (not even counting dvi/firewire) up in the air. You have to consider that this will drag out while approval is pending.
So, would it be wise to wait it out, see what evolves, buy a box when and if DirecTV or Echostar or a third platform is approved? Or should one jump in with both feet hoping that their box gives them a couple years of enjoyment or that it will be suitable replaced in an equipment swap with the new sat company?
The thing I worry about most is that this sort of confusion will slow the growth of HDTV. Consumers freeze up and do nothing waiting for a solution- meanwhile broadcasters and cable companies declare HDTV is a bust because no one is buying boxes.
What would you do today?- buy a box or wait. What would you tell a friend who likes HD, but isn't a videophile. What would you tell your mother who doesn't have a lot of $$$ to blow?
This argument also applicable to any specialty box not just HD. Would you recommend a DirecTivo? Ultimate TV? Who knows the future for these platforms?
Any thoughts???
Would now be the worst possible time to buy an HD STB? With the merger (not even counting dvi/firewire) up in the air. You have to consider that this will drag out while approval is pending.
So, would it be wise to wait it out, see what evolves, buy a box when and if DirecTV or Echostar or a third platform is approved? Or should one jump in with both feet hoping that their box gives them a couple years of enjoyment or that it will be suitable replaced in an equipment swap with the new sat company?
The thing I worry about most is that this sort of confusion will slow the growth of HDTV. Consumers freeze up and do nothing waiting for a solution- meanwhile broadcasters and cable companies declare HDTV is a bust because no one is buying boxes.
What would you do today?- buy a box or wait. What would you tell a friend who likes HD, but isn't a videophile. What would you tell your mother who doesn't have a lot of $$$ to blow?
This argument also applicable to any specialty box not just HD. Would you recommend a DirecTivo? Ultimate TV? Who knows the future for these platforms?
Any thoughts???