A Congressman predicts there’s “a looming issue” in the coming transition to HDTV.  Representative Rick Boucher told C-SPAN: the program choices and picture quality will be better for viewers.  But that assumes they get the signal.

Boucher says people may have the converter boxes for their old-style TVs and still not get the picture.  Their antennas may let them down.  Boucher blames that on ”something called the drop-off effect, where you either get a perfect picture or none at all.”

Boucher says viewers can get technical assistance for converter boxes — and coupons to buy them.  But, he says there’s nothing like that for replacing an antenna.  Right now, the customer would be obligated for the full price of the upgrade.

Boucher is a member of the House Telecom Subcommittee.  So, he speculated on options that could be considered to help viewers with antenna purchases, if they become necessary.  He offered no guarantees, though.