Analog TV is past its sell-by date: Should you still buy an analog TV? Stores are marking them down and clearing them out, making way for more digital televisions. The DTV transition will wrap up on February 17, 2009, and if you want a "classic-style" TV, this may be your last chance.
Let me say this upfront: I'll pass on this deal. The value proposition of an obsolete TV set just doesn't move me.
Granted, an old-technology TV isn't completely worthless. It won't turn into a rock when analog broadcasts end, though you will need a digital TV converter box to continue receiving over-the-air telecasts. The box may cost $50 to $70, although you can request a coupon from the government next year to get $40 off. But consider the hassle factor: The digital converter will take up a bit of space, and will take some time and effort to set up. You will have extra cables, an extra remote control and possibly extra energy usage compared with a comparably sized digital TV with an integrated ATSC tuner.
Also, a DTV converter box cannot provide the benefits of high-definition television. HD programming will be seen in standard definition (SDTV) form on an analog TV. You can't see HD without an HDTV.
(Read Original Article - Via HDTV Magazine - Industry News (Beta).)