Analog TV may be gone in 2 years where you live but not where I live. I don't think the CRTC has even set a date for the turnover to digital yet - I think they are letting the marketplace decide. So I suspect the analog signal will likely be good for a few years yet. As far as voice without the video - it that's what you have then that's what you live with - it's better than 2 tin cans and a string. :-)

Secondly, the FR350 model seems to be in short supply locally - most stores only carry the FR200/250 model, I thought I was fortunate to find the 400 series unit.

Thirdly, my experience with shortwave on "economic" radios leaves A LOT to be desired - just getting ANY RECEPTION is a chore in and of itself.

Weather radios and the weather broadcast system in Canada is not as well known as it may be south of the 49th. Severe weather may be the occasional lightning storm or tornado, anything else isn't the type of thing you need instant warnings of. I can see the weather coming days in advance just by looking out the window or listening to conventional weather reports. Still, it's handy to have a dedicated weather alert radio. BTW, none of my other radios is NOAA capable.