Re: Could this be a chance to tell the NAB to GO TO HELL?

Geez Dood, this crusty old geezer just can't resist spouting off on this one! The way I see it, digital fringe reception problems were well-known long before the changeover and were probably the main reason for it. This move forced most fringers into the arms of CATV operators and Satellite Providers. CHA-CHING! Choosing the 8-VSB system was intentional, and exacerbated the problems... CHA-CHING! I find it hilarious that the NAB has found itself on the wrong side of this. Either they hadn't thought it out so well (not likely), or the CATV/SATV lobby got the upper hand on them in political influence purchases. The NAB has had lap dog seat status with the FCC for so many years that they got complacent, allowing the package TV lobby to get the upper hand. At least that's my view of it.

Be calm and don your aluminum foil hats-
Although the technology is not completely here in 2014, keep the bigger picture in mind. Making TV technology completely digital (whether through direct broadcast or by the "pipe") opens the door to duplex technology. First Arbitron will be able to directly track your TV usage and you will be able to interact seamlessly with the provider. This is already happening with Hulu and Netflix, and will be coming to a TV near you. Eventually this will morph into another way for your helpful NSA to plant their nose three feet up your butt. But don't worry; they'll only be collecting "metadata". Long live Pirate Radio, and maybe Pirate TV too!