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DIRECTV & VOD: Who Are They Kidding? By Swanni
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Is it as easy to get setup to use as cable, nope, since the customer has to do nothing for their VoD offering. But compared to when I had Comcast cable I've yet to have D*'s system say something isn't available or not be able to completly view a VoD program, Comcast couldn't say that. Too often I'd go to select a program and get a system not available message on Comcast.
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I didn't think VOD was hard to install at all ... that being said I'm not really a huge fan of the download from the internet format.
I have been trying to use it more before passing judgment. I'll go through a lot of the offerings and queue up a bunch of stuff then not watch them until later. I don't really consider this "On Demand" per se but it's better than nothing.
On demand as a whole isn't as important (to me) as actual channels. Unless providers are going to move their content exclusively to OD, which isn't going to happen, it probably never will be. Otherwise I'll just DVR it and watch when I want anyway
I have been trying to use it more before passing judgment. I'll go through a lot of the offerings and queue up a bunch of stuff then not watch them until later. I don't really consider this "On Demand" per se but it's better than nothing.
On demand as a whole isn't as important (to me) as actual channels. Unless providers are going to move their content exclusively to OD, which isn't going to happen, it probably never will be. Otherwise I'll just DVR it and watch when I want anyway
Personally, I think DirecTV's VOD is a non-starter (good one Swanni) at this point due to the massive lack of HD programming, but for me, "installation is as simple as hooking an ethernet line. That si a little more difficult than cable, where it is just working, but certainly not a massive hardship or anything.
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The number of customers using DirecTV's VOD is low because it only very recently became widely available, and for the fact that Swanni pointed out--with all these HD channels, WHO NEEDS IT?
The article could have just as easily been written positively. Something to the effect of, "In an effort to provide a full menu of programming choices, DirecTV has launched its Video-On-Demad service to compliment the largest selection of HD channels available from any provider. DirecTV has a problem, however--the huge number of HD channels and programs available from its traditional satellite-based service largely negates the need for on-demand service.
But that's a problem all providers would like to have!
Cable, with its bandwidth issues, has had to counter DirecTV's HD channel additions by ramping up on-demand offerings, while it scrambles to find room for new HD channels..."
Always the naysayer, Mr. Swanni.
The article could have just as easily been written positively. Something to the effect of, "In an effort to provide a full menu of programming choices, DirecTV has launched its Video-On-Demad service to compliment the largest selection of HD channels available from any provider. DirecTV has a problem, however--the huge number of HD channels and programs available from its traditional satellite-based service largely negates the need for on-demand service.
But that's a problem all providers would like to have!
Cable, with its bandwidth issues, has had to counter DirecTV's HD channel additions by ramping up on-demand offerings, while it scrambles to find room for new HD channels..."
Always the naysayer, Mr. Swanni.
For Plain Jane, just having a box, pushing a few buttons to access whatever content she wants to view, and "INSTANTLY" she's satisfied, the Cable Companies will Exploit this scenario to the fullest.
Plain Jane doesn't want to be bothered with having to buy a Router, run a few cables, and configure her DVR to be sure that it sees the network and the internet. Plain Jane also doesn't want to wait while a program downloads so she can view it 30 minutes later, and in some circumstances, even more time.
Why should Plain Jane know about TCP/IP?
When you think in Plain Jane's universe, Cable has the advantage in terms of VOD for now.
Plain Jane doesn't want to be bothered with having to buy a Router, run a few cables, and configure her DVR to be sure that it sees the network and the internet. Plain Jane also doesn't want to wait while a program downloads so she can view it 30 minutes later, and in some circumstances, even more time.
Why should Plain Jane know about TCP/IP?
When you think in Plain Jane's universe, Cable has the advantage in terms of VOD for now.
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Of course, On Demand was available to DBSTalkers almost a year ago, and it's been in completely public beta for what, about four months? That makes "right now" the optimum time for this article. Sure, the official announcement was a couple weeks ago but it changed nothing.
D*'s VOD is no more difficult to set up than any other internet appliance - ie a PS3, netflix, appletv etc.
Once set up, the system itself is fairly easy to use (though it can still use some work) and IMO the SD shows deliver as fast as cable.
Swanni is off base on this one.
Once set up, the system itself is fairly easy to use (though it can still use some work) and IMO the SD shows deliver as fast as cable.
Swanni is off base on this one.
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As a regular reader of that site (not that I agree with 1/2 of the content), it became very obvious that "Swanni" has taken a slant towards cable (especially Comcast) ever since his mom had a bad CSR call experience. He spent 2 weeks ranting about that incident.
There has been a repeated pattern and tone in his "commentary" pieces towards cable and against satellite on several fronts.
Since a teenage PC'er can set up Direct On Demand, and apparently it is "far too challenging" for Swanni....perhaps he can get the needed training someplace at a nearby middle school. In seeing the feedback comments on that website, someone actually made a similar comment to that effect.
My overall take - laugh a bit, feel a bit sorry for the guy, and move on.
There has been a repeated pattern and tone in his "commentary" pieces towards cable and against satellite on several fronts.
Since a teenage PC'er can set up Direct On Demand, and apparently it is "far too challenging" for Swanni....perhaps he can get the needed training someplace at a nearby middle school. In seeing the feedback comments on that website, someone actually made a similar comment to that effect.
My overall take - laugh a bit, feel a bit sorry for the guy, and move on.
I think most of us here are missing the point. Most of us here are "Tech Savvy" to the point that we can understand what is needed to implement this system.
Do you know how frustrating it is to explain the procedure of getting VOD to an average person on the street? Do you know how it was frustrating it was for that same person to understand that she needed an AM21 so she can record "Guiding Light" in HD on her new HD DVR?
When stuff like this begins to hit pocketbooks and wallets, it can really get frustrating for the average person who just wants to sit on the couch, pull up an episode of Sex in the City, and be happy, rather than wait an hour for it to buffer.
Let's come down to earth for a while and understand that not everyone with a HD DVR and a router in their home will understand how to set up VOD on their system. These are the same people that still have unsecured wireless networks all over the neighborhood. Just think about that aspect for a minute.
Do you know how frustrating it is to explain the procedure of getting VOD to an average person on the street? Do you know how it was frustrating it was for that same person to understand that she needed an AM21 so she can record "Guiding Light" in HD on her new HD DVR?
When stuff like this begins to hit pocketbooks and wallets, it can really get frustrating for the average person who just wants to sit on the couch, pull up an episode of Sex in the City, and be happy, rather than wait an hour for it to buffer.
Let's come down to earth for a while and understand that not everyone with a HD DVR and a router in their home will understand how to set up VOD on their system. These are the same people that still have unsecured wireless networks all over the neighborhood. Just think about that aspect for a minute.
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Point well taken but to bash the service all together is un fair....he could have spun it better than just being negative.....sure not all of us is tech savvy but thats why people have sons, brothers, boyfriends, gransons to hook up their computers and what not...I read that site everyday I just thought he should reviewed it a little more objectively.groove93 said:
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What I really want to know is how long do you wait before you can watch a show on that VOD service. And how does it compare to cable's . I have D*TV and FiOS (20/5) but no HD-DVR yet. How fast is this thing on a good broadband service?
I looked through the available titles on their website and did not feel an urgent need to order an HD-DVR so I can get the VOD service. (No Galactica, no HBO) I already have ESPN 360. So, what's the coolest thing on that service? What's coming down the pipe?
I looked through the available titles on their website and did not feel an urgent need to order an HD-DVR so I can get the VOD service. (No Galactica, no HBO) I already have ESPN 360. So, what's the coolest thing on that service? What's coming down the pipe?
I took the article in the same vein I took those old Imac commercials diplaying Apples all in one Computer, then next to it a PC with cables, wires and a seperate monitor all tangled up.merchione said:
To me it's a "Why re-invent the wheel" situation.
Personally, I've used VOD but I know also know my limitations. I cannot download HD Programming, let alone an hour episode of "Deadliest Catch". I also know that I do not have the capability of watching it instantly. Until they begin to Push programming through the Satellite, then I will not be able to utilize this feature to its fullest.
This is why I believe the current platform will be exploited no different than those MAC vs PC commercials, but again, VOD for Direct TV is not their Killer App, content and good pricing is. That's their advantage over cable, and it's a big one now with the amount of HD content they are providing us.
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True, but that's probably why they offer professional installation as an option. But of course, the requirement for the customer to have a broadband connection is going to be a limitation right there. And for those that do, cable isn't the only competition. You can now also download content straight to your PS3. At least DirecTV is still investigating new bandwidth (BSS). Perhaps at some pont the Spaceways will be used for VOD without the need for complex setup OR a broadband connection.groove93 said:
Let's eliminate PS3, Xbox 360s, Wiis, and whatever Devices out there from the equation. I am speaking of people with a simple set up. A DVR and a TV.DarinC said:
Put a cable company and direct TV side by side with regards to "On Demand", most of the cable companies out there, whether it be TWC, Brighthouse, and similar systems will win.
Think of all those episodes of the Sopranos people watched on Demand during the final season. They watched a couple of episodes just to catch up prior to the season finale.
Now could this be done with Direct TV? Yes, BUT, that average person would've probably been frustrated when their broadband connection suddenly stopped downloading content, or they could only watch 20 percent of an episode while the other 80 is still downloading.
For me, having one service dependent of another is at an extra cost is not the way to go.
"Sorry Tim, I forgot to pay the Internet Bill this month so we won't be able to watch Season one of Ice Road Truckers on Demand."
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