Will the next-gen consoles be HD only?  I know that would alienate sales but Feb. 17, 2009 is the US analog cut off date, the EU has already started DTV transition http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/60&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

and by the the start of the next-gen the world will have finished or will have partially followed suit except in third and fouth world countries where food not consoles are gifts.

Thoughts? 

Digital Broadcast =\= HD

Beyond this, I think it is very likely that all next generation platforms will focus on HD output but they will continue to support Standard Definition signals because there are a lot of people who hook their gaming system up to a secondary (Den) TV which (probably) won't be HD for quite a while.

This wont be a problem at all. Every Television Ive seen sold in Currys here in UK is HD Ready. In fact I can only find non HD tellys second hand.

HD is just a hook to get people to get into the new technology. The next generation people will be used to the new technology that they won't be refering to image from games, tv, etc as HD.

No, they'll still run standard definition games. If the Xbox releases in 2010, I would be surprised if high definition televisions make up over 60% of the installed market.

Digital broadcasts only involve those who use an antenna to receive a signal. It doesn't affect cable or dish systems at all, most of which are already broadcasting digitally.

 Agreed, and like Selnor I could not find a new sdtv to save my life. At my Best Buy they have something like 60% LCd/Plamsa, 30% DLP, and the reminaing 10% are enormous, 1080p capable rear projection tvs.

HD only? Maybe if they want to bomb miserably.

it doesnt work that way. They will always have analog hook ups and the ability to play at lower resolutions. HD only means high resolution...that is it, nothing more. You will always be able to play HD consoles on SD tvs...it just wont look as good

it doesnt work that way. They will always have analog hook ups and the ability to play at lower resolutions. HD only means high resolution...that is it, nothing more. You will always be able to play HD consoles on SD tvs...it just wont look as good

It's been long known that the next Nintendo console will be HD capable.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/707/707800p1.html