Considering that digital -> analog converters cost a good $60, and are an irritating accessory to have to throw in your living room, I'm thinking that Feb 17th, 2009 will incur something of a spike in HDTV sales -- just how large this spike will be, I'm not going to hazard a guess.

Will this have an indirect effect on PS3 sales in late 2008 through early 2009?  About what % of (North American) households own TVs not capable of receiving a digital signal?

As I recall, the law requiring TVs to have a digital tuner has only been in effect since March of 2007.

Many people are just too poor to purchase an HDTV or a digital tuner. I suspect that many people will end up stealing cable or satellite or they'll just not watch TV.

You can still get cheap digital TVs. It will probably help HD console sales in the long run, but most people wont shell out on a new console after having got a new TV

The US has a rebate program for $40 off a converter box. Anyone is allowed to order 2 such coupons. I already have both of mine and my living room TV is a 27" CRT with a digital tuner so i was able to use the others on my other old TVs in my other rooms.

You can buy a digital TV for less then a PS3. If you mean that this switch will make people drop 800+ dollars on an HDTV I dont think so. No mater which way you look at it, a cable box sized digital converter for 60 bucks is always less hassle and cheaper then a 60 pound 30 inch+ HDTV for 800 bucks.

So you think people are more likely to buy a new HDTV then an extremely cheap digital receiver? And then buy a PS3 to match as an accessory even though they didn't buy the digital receiver because it is an annoying accessory. Interesting.

This won't have a big effect on PS3 sales. Look at it this way. If somebody is watching broadcast television (not even paying for cable/satellite) on an analog only input television. Do you really think they have the money, or even the intention, to buy an HDTV + PS3?

This will have little to no effect. I would be so bold to say that it might even lower PS3 sales. (just kidding, put away the pitch forks)

since most people here have broadband aka cable internet its simple to say that we dont have a reason to buy a converter box. Most peope dont.

i dont know if we will notice it, but i can imagine some people are saying feb 17 will be the day i buy an hdtv.

if you have satellite or cable tv, the conversion means nothing to you. it only means something if you get your tv through "rabbit ears" then you need the converter and you can get the government coupon for $40 which is what they sell for. if you are to poor or just don't care about tv, why would you have the money or care about video games?