The whole idea behind HDTV is not only clarity but true to form three dimensional viewing. The color is supposed to be superb and the defintion, grain, and focus is supposed to be great, what with nearly 1200 lines of resolution. The audio is supposed to be 4 channel quad-surround sound and is billed as going to place the viewer right in the television set. The whole idea here is a better quality picture and sound, Whoopy - thats what I say. For better pictures and super sound (sound that when someone passes gass on the movie set I can here it? no thanks). The other night, someone on Arsenio Hall, the name escapes me, gave a humorous speech about surround sound, you can what it sounds like when someone digs into their ear, coughs, or clears their throat. And the cost? The american people are already inundated with taxes and high cost and now the NAB and FCC expect us to pay for running fibre into our homes, buying a converter box and buying a $1400 HD set? But knowing the americans, they'll pay the extra for the comfort of watching a 3d football game with the sounds of the field right there with them, instead of paying taxes or child care. I think you have to weigh both sides of the coin here. Yea, HDTV offers a great alternative but for what price. Even TV stations will have to get all new equipment and a new transmitter for the HDTV signal. Is it worth it? paradoxically yours, mkk