To Danny and others: It is the 4dtv receiver that I can thank for not becoming part of the disposable society. I like having a little money to spend as i see fit, however, i am a miser. i do not have hdtv because i will not DIE if my quality is not absolutely so fine. my big old 1996 sony trinitron 36" tv works just fine. we only have one tv in our house and it will stay that way for years to come - probably until one of the kids wants to buy their own tv and get it hooked up ever how they want to pay for it.
our 922 kept us from having to buy an hd tv. it kept us from putting our BUD in the landfill. and it has helped us keep some freedom of choice in programming.
everything that danny speaks of is many hassles that we personally have been spared all because of one piece of equipment.
but then, a bud is not a hobby for me. i wish it was so i could understand it better and how to get more programming out of it.
although what is available in programming is not considered tangible waste, i feel like i have saved myself and my family from a TON of trash by not going small dish. i know that i have saved money by keeping my system the way that it is.
i am not completely (we all are somewhat) part of the throw away society, but would any of you want to marry me? i am happy not wearing makeup. i am happy to not go shopping for clothes and jewelry all the time - only when necessary, which is rare. i recycle in the worst way, which means that much is reused in my home. i only have one credit card. i have what i consider a low limit, although it could be much higher. i didn't buy a house for the max amount that my CU authorized a loan for. one of my cars is 13 years old and we maintain it ourselves on a regular basis.
we are a wasteful society, but in my case i fight it like crazy. part of that fight is to keep my bud up and running with programming that is sufficient on its own without having to supplement with small dish or cable. my 4dtv receiver has helped me accomplish that.
now what to do when my equipment dies, and when good cband programming ceases to exist?