I'm kind of with Sandy G on this... I almost hope it causes widespread dissent and a huge backlash, forcing them to return to the
status quo ante.
While I am not against technological progress [Where would we be without the internet and access to AK, for example?
], in this case I think it served the needs of a limited number of people (and the government) making more money, more than it served to benefit the general public. It is primarily an exercise in transfer-of-wealth without sufficient other justification. Let it be revealed for what it is, and let the bureaucrats learn a lesson!
Of course, I am basing this on a limited amount of information, and may be wrong. If I am wrong and it turns out to be overall better for the consumer, then so be it. I'll be sad to see the old systems go. I LIKE the sound of my Marantz TV tuner, and would like to be able to play things off the air over vintage TV gear... but it won't be the end of the world, any more than the passing of crank-and dial phones was. {Although dial phones STILL work when connected to modern systems!}
Fortunately, Hong Kong is still broadcasting both formats, and has not announced any timetable for cutting off the free-to-air traditional (PAL) channels. Unfortunately, I suspect it is only a matter of time before they do announce such a date here, too...
My condolences to those more immediately affected!
