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View Full Version : Barton firm date on Digital Transition - 2008

Paul Secic
05-23-05, 02:07 PM
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/networktv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000930069

This should shake up Joesixpack!
MarkA
05-24-05, 02:58 PM
I don't get the big deal. Probably around 95% of people WOULD NOT NOTICE if analog broadcasting were to be shut of tomorrow. If that's not enough of an unaffected percentage, what is?
MarkA
05-26-05, 08:41 AM
I was reading a thing on the broadcast flag today and it stated about 15% of Americans watch TV over the air. Let's say 10% of them are already digital, and round the affected number up - that puts us at about 14% of people who would notice, or 86% of Americans who would not notice or care if analog broadcasting was shut off tmw.

Now, lets get some affordable SD digiboxes like they have in Europe. And offer subsidies to those below the poverty line so that they can still watch the news.

Guess what? We've got a higher percentage who wouldn't care. There will always be some last standouts. For progress sake, we must insure that they do not prevail - see this: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/05/09/BUGSDCLDD61.DTL

Now, in 2005, why on earth should a cable system still be carrying FM radio? But there are those who want them to...
tsmacro
05-26-05, 11:45 AM
You do realize that 14% of the US population equals in the neighborhood of 50 MILLION people right? That many people could really raise a big stink if they couldn't watch TV anymore. So yeah there better be some kind of plan to accomodate that many people or there could be trouble.
kb7oeb
05-26-05, 05:00 PM
I think there are a number of people who would go back to OTA only since the digital picture is now better than what you can get from cable or sat.
KingLoop
05-26-05, 05:29 PM
I think there are a number of people who would go back to OTA only since the digital picture is now better than what you can get from cable or sat.
Maybe, a small number. First of all you have to absolutely hate your PQ... secondly, you have to not care about your non-broadcast channels... I'm sure a very small minority of the pay television subscriber base.

Does anyone know if I can pick up a OTA only DVR for HD?
joblo
05-26-05, 08:36 PM
One of the local BBs sold an OTA only HD DVR last year for $600 or $700. Brand name LG I think, TV Guide PTV engine. It worked alright on most channels, but I returned it, because it was unable to successfully record the local WB affiliate, despite a strong signal that had no breakups when you watched it live.