[BC] HDTV

[Mark W Earle]

On Wed, 8 Feb 2006 13:19:19 -0600 (CST) Alan Kline <akline at netins.net>
writes:
> Here's a philosophical question for the group:  Why is it OK for one 
> of
> the national cable networks (ESPN-HD, HBO, or whatever) to seek and
> receive payment from cable companies for their HD product, but when 
> a
> local broadcaster does the same, it's seen as trying to "extract" 
> money
> from the cable system?

Well, I think the perception difference is because you're not comparing
apples and oranges. I cannot stick up a set of rabbit ears, or an antenna
and get HBO, ESPN SD or HD, etc. I must get them from a sat provider or
cable. 

Your HD and SD signals, come in "free" to the consumer, so the value is
perceived to be less. 

In my case I'm glad the local broadcasters are on cable - I get terrible
Off-Air reception, because in an apartment only indoor antennas are
permitted (well, I could rig something on the patio, but it doesn't help
where I am , relative to the transmitter sites). 

Haven't tried but it is doubtful digital Off-Air will be any better.

Side note: Recently the ABC affiliate "held out" for a better carriage
deal from Time Warner. Time warner put an out of market ABC affiliate on
their system, same channel, for a few hours (18 as I recall). Somehow,
suddenly, things worked out and the local station is "back". 

There is still behind the scenes legal wrangling on this one. 

My residence is on Grande cable, so we never "lost" the local ABC
affiliate. 

Mark
KLTG 96.5  KLHB 98.3  KOUL 103.7  KMJR 105.5
wa2mct at juno.com