Digital TV switchover date: December 31, 2008

So last we heard, some high-tech honchos had gotten together to press Congress on the issue of the official digital TV switchover date. That legislation is now drafted, and sets a December 31, 2008 date by which broadcasters who're still hogging those analog airwaves have got to give it up. One of the issues still unresolved is what to do about the nagging problem of the 20+ million American households that are still using antenna-based TVs, who are gonna be understandably disgruntled at the prospect of needing to go in on some new gear just to keep the tube a-pumpin'. Lawmakers are (this just in!) split down party lines, with Republicans favoring a subsidy for low-income households and Democrats favoring a subsidy for anyone who buys a set-top box.