Not all digital TVs are high-definition

Q Is digital the same as HD, or do I need an HDTV set?

A The simple -- and potentially confusing -- answer is: All high-definition TVs are digital, but not all digital TVs are high-definition. High-definition television (HDTV) is a higher-resolution form of digital television than standard-definition digital television.

You do not necessarily need a high-definition digital TV after the Feb. 17 broadcast digital transition to receive over-the-air broadcasts; a standard-definition digital TV will work, as well. The most important thing is that either type of TV needs a digital tuner to receive over-the-air broadcasts using just an antenna. It's also important to remember that to watch programming in true high-definition format, you must have an HDTV set. More and more consumers are purchasing high-definition TVs as they prepare for the switch to digital, primarily for the higher-quality picture that high-definition provides.

Source: Dave Nyberg, Senior Corporate Affairs Manager, Comcast, St. Paul Why not bury lines? Q Electricity is so necessary to our lives and so vulnerable. Why aren't power lines buried, the same as for cable, Internet, etc.?

A The basic reason is cost, said Burl Haar, executive secretary for the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. It's very expensive to bury electrical lines, he said. Some communities do that, but then they assess the individual homeowners and businesses. That's why it's not very common.

In addition, maintenance is a concern. Although having the lines underground would mean fewer weather-related outages, most utilities take the position that it's better to have power lines above ground so they are easily accessible.