[opendtv] Re: antenna availability
- From: Albert Manfredi <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:03:53 -0500
Craig Birkmaier wrote:
> Satellite is typically installed by a professional, and
> once installed you can forget about it. I agree that
> cable and DBS have an advantage in that they have revenue
> streams to support the customer service/installation
> organizations.
Not really forget it. You keep paying every month. And they have to come back
out when, for example, a new satellite is put in orbit, for new channels.
OTA users could do something similar by hiring someone, as they universally do
in European OTA countries. And there, you really do forget it. Once installed,
that's it.
> I would also note that the technology exists to receive
> OTA TV WITHOUT the need for outdoor antennas in MOST
> cases.
It would be interesting to see how the numbers work out here. In any event, OF
COURSE the technology exists. But it costs more money. If broadcasters of FOTA
TV all over the world, Craig, EVEN in countries that tax their citizens for TV
and radio, can't justify the expense of the OTA network you propose, you have
to appreciate that perhaps it's because it would force them into having to
charge the viewers extra. Just like an MVPD.
How does radio work? With big sticks, just like TV. How come they don't need to
depend on outdoor receive antennas as much as TV? Simple. Because they make
less spectrally-efficient use of their spectrum.
> We all agree that reception is possible with varying
> levels of effort on the part of the consumer. You simply
> choose to ignore the reality that using an antenna to
> receive OTA TV is generally viewed as "quaint and
> outdated."
Are you kidding?
I don't IGNORE that point. I find that point pathetic. I can't believe people
give a tinker's damn about whether the next door neighbor thinks their antenna
looks "quaint and outdated."
In fact, that was my explanation for why OTA TV is popular in Australia and not
here. Here, it's considered a badge of honor to make displays of conspicuous
consumption.
Bert
_________________________________________________________________
Send e-mail faster without improving your typing skills.
http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_speed_122008
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Other related posts:
