The sky isn't falling, in fact most people are either ignorant of it or indifferent to it. The set-top-box uptake has been so slow, but that's because the World's Biggest Luddite, Senator Alston, has hummed and ha'd and basically can't decide how digital broadcasting should be done. I guess there won't be much take-up until there's a clear plan. Set-top boxes are I think from AU$500 - $800 currently. There are only two or three on the market, apparently that'll be changing soon. Once more boxes are introduced, competition will ensure they get cheaper. I think the plan is to switch off analogue signals in 2007 or so.
And apart from all that, digital TV really does look *pretty*!