A few in line comments. Quoting Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxx>: > Doug's inquiries about antennas is a prime example of this. For some > reason he thinks that the ability to receive signals from distant > markets is important to television viewers. It is NOT. B--- S---! Local network IS the choice of most viewers!!! > IF broadcasters ever decide they need to compete with the program > distributors who are carrying their water today, then, AND ONLY THEN, > will technology become an issue. At that point the following issues > will become important: We have! > 1. Can the system support mobile and portable reception? This is the > ONLY major competitive advantage for broadcasters. Not really sure this is a fact...I will grant you that it is one view. > 2. Is the system easy to install with a simple omnidirectional > antenna that can be located either inside the home, or outside (i.e. > gutter mount). This configuration MUST be able to receive all local > channels (distant channels are not relevant if local transmission > facilities work properly); no rotors, electronically steerable > antennas or antenna arrays allowed. On the way... > 3. Is there a well defined "platform" with all of the services that > consumers expect today from the other multi-channel services. > a. A well designed, integrated program guide; > b. Local caching to support PVR functions and (premium) > cached VOD services; > c. Back channel capabilities to support interactive and data > broadcast services, > and transactional services; > d. Competition among vendors to drive innovation and lower > costs to consumers. On the way... > 4. Can the system compete with cable and DBS in terms of delivering > targeted advertising based on viewer preferences, location, or > demographic factors? On the way... > When viewed from this perspective, it is clear that ATSC is simply a > place holder, which will need to be replaced in order for > broadcasters to field a competitive service. ATSC is a standard. Nothing more, nothing less... > Regards > Craig Regards, Mark A. Aitken Director, Advanced Technology *************************** Sinclair Broadcast Group 10706 Beaver Dam Road Hunt Valley, MD 21030 Business TEL: (410) 568-1535 Business MOBILE: (443) 677-4425 Business FAX: (410) 568-1580 maitken@xxxxxxxxxx ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.