This must have been what the news anchors were talking about... This came from
9NEWS - Home Page. The Denver NBC station.
Will consumers have to pay to receive HDTV broadcasts?
No. Unlike digital cable where consumers pay monthly fees for services, HDTV provides high quality programming and more content via free over-the-air broadcasts.
What about my existing analog TV?
Until the total conversion to HDTV is made, broadcasters will generally simulcast the same programs on two different channels - one in a digital format and one in analog. Viewers with analog sets will be able to convert a digital signal to an analog signal by hooking up a digital tuner decoder box to their sets; however, they will not be able to experience the crystal clear pictures and sound quality that a HDTV set provides, nor will they experience the advantages of datacasting or interactive television.