[opendtv] Re: Collusion
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 30 May 2011 17:22:57 -0500
Craig Birkmaier wrote:
> I do not understand why you think HD radio is any different than XM radio
> or the many integrated electronics/computer packages offered by the various
> car manufacturers.
The difference is the extent to which one scheme tethers you. Paying for
something when you buy it, rather than being tied to the permanent sucking
sound. The marketplace, in fact, has not gone to satellite radio in a huge way,
so it's simply obnoxious when a car company makes that your only option, when a
decent alternative exists. But like I said, there are other car companies, so
this is not a big deal.
Parenthetically, listening to MP3 players or iPods is not a replacement for
radio, unless your recorded material can somehow provide real time traffic,
weather, and news. Some of these players, I think the most recent Zune does
offer built-in HD Radio, by the way.
> Yes there are issues with overbuilding and duplication of expensive
> infrastructure.
That's all that matters. All the rest is pointless words. We are talking about
services that cannot duplicate their infrastructure credibly, so they have to
be regulated. No point going on and on about this.
Broadband was originally a case of attempting to force the company that built
the infrastructure to share it with Johnny-come-latelies. Obviously, that
wasn't going to work, so the only other alternative of the time, cable, got a
virtual broadband monopoly there, for a few years. ADSL didn't take off until
the telcos could retain the rights to their infrastructure. Now with wireless
broadband, that equation can change, hopefully will. So competition can work,
and regulation of prices isn't necessary.
> The same is true for any utility. California is now deregulating the
> electric industry. Everyone is allowed to sell power through a common grid.
You still need the monopoly for the grid. As a consumer, you don't have the
freedom to connect to different companies' power grids, right? That hookup cost
still has to be regulated, until someone figures out how multiple grids can
coexist in any given neighborhood.
>> For example, when you complain about retrans consent fees. Forgive me but
>> I have to say this. The cost of rising retrans consent fees couldn't
>> happen to a more deserving person. Know what I mean?
>
> Sorry Bert, I don't understand.
>
> Are you saying that we deserve to pay higher than free market rates for
> electricity, water, and telephony?
I'm saying, those who spend years and years championing the cause of walled
gardens deserve to pay the price. Electricity and water are walled, and
uncompetitive, so they are strictly regulated. So that's a different matter.
But TV walled gardens are numerous enough to not have to be strictly regulated.
But the are still walled in, they still tether you to control you. So if you
like that distribution model so much, then feel free to pay the price. Else
resist, and then see how the options emerge.
Bert
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