Digital TV may be on the horizon, but we may be having analog/digital TV sets (rather than digital-only) in the future, too.

NXP, the company formerly known as Philips Semiconductors (didn't Prince already do that "formerly known as" play) has invented a semiconductor chip set that permits HD LCD sets to automatically switch between analog and digital signals. The chip will reportedly be built into TV reference designs that manufacturers may begin using in January, according to HD Notebook.

Without getting technical, both reference designs are based on one global silicon platform that enables TV manufacturers to develop hybrid digital/analog LCD TV sets. NXP said it is now able to offer one hybrid platform for all regions worldwide.