Hey WMVS! Here is PBS DTV done right

[borghe]

WPTV Madison has the following DTV information page.
 http://www.wpt.org/digitaltv/index.cfm?content=dtv_schedule

So not only do they actually broadcast the HD Demo Loop, but they also replay PBS HD throughout the day. So when pray tell is WMVS going to take a cue from other PBS stations around the state? We get multi-cast with the eagle's nest and cable channels we already have, HD programming relegated to 36 hence no HD version (Desert Speaks), and a regular HD show broadcast in SD regularily (American Family).

I am so tired of most Milwaukee HDTV (no offense Jim and Sean), yet they have us by the short hairs because we have no other options. I'll tell you one thing. As far as WMVS is concerned, I don't care at all that the RS DBT antenna I am using doesn't pull in channel 8 very well.

/rant off

[gparris]

Your right to rant is fine with me. As I read in the Tvinsite and other web sites, the FCC has got it all backwards with this over the air thing. Most of the population gets its TV by cable or satellite; the other 10% or so get it over the air. If only TWC could see it to run CBS and NBC,"Faux 6" now, with a allocation for ABC-when WISN is wanting to broadcast, HDTV would be more off and running in Milwaukee. Recently,I have assisted with the sale of 2 HDTV sets what with the Mits sale just last week( no payment no intst,etc.) The prices are great and adding a 3100HD box is supposed to be the thing to get HD on cable. So why not add the channels now, TWC? Even if ABC is broadcasting and there is a tower problem, as WISN insists, who cares if you can get it on cable anyway? Is this a government thing that you have to transmit (like the 1950's) first-before you can "cable it"? Cox cable in Las Vegas just started 7 HDTV channels,of course, for an additional fee, but if you have a HD set, you shouldn't mind anyway. Startup costs for any type of business are always there, (like touch-tone on phone originally was). These channels consist of CBS and PBS(not the Milwaukee version) along with 2 HBO, 2 Showtime and that "Discovery HD Theater". I understand that at first CBS in Chicago had transmitter problems with its HD channel 3 and only cable could get it...so it's really a matter of TWC wanting to do it all along, rather than that mandate,right?  Right now, they are actively pursuing (note ads on TWC) the SA 8000 PVR/cable box to compete with Sat( a TIVO-type box that is still somewhat advertiser-friendly) but I doubt it has HD recording or at least carry through ability...too bad. Does anyone have anything to add to this? Tell me I'm wrong...TWC isn't the whole answer-just most of the solution.

[borghe]

Obviously you haven't read some of my previous posts.   While cable may be the spark that ignites the HDTV fire for mass consumer America, I really have no interest in waiting for or lighting that fire. TWC has time and again provided me with poor service, poor quality, and expensive bills. And while TWC nationally has interest in a DVR/STB, I wouldn't hold my breath on it making it to TWC Milwaukee anytime soon. I'll gladly stick with my DirecTivo.

My little cable rant aside, it goes beyond carriage. Look at 6 and 10. Both are "providing" signals. 6 just refuses to provide a signal strong enough to receive without a rooftop and 10 either makes it difficult to find HD programming or just doesn't bother showing it. What good is it to have TWC or anyone else carrying these channels when there isn't anything on them anyway?

I sent a letter to WMVS. As with every other time I have sent a letter, I know people on this board have already done the same and it will be interesting to compare notes. It is all I have that I can do. I just don't understand how some people/stations can put forth so little effort. Especially 10. Here they are, ahead of the curve, and to do what? Provide nothing to us?? arrggh...

[Matt Heebner]

I too have NO love for TWC, I dumped them 4+ years ago for DirecTv...but....I have to agree that cable is the "key" to getting HD programming to the Milwaukee masses. The number one reason why....no additional cost associated with a STB. I have three friends who have spent the money on HD TV's, but will NOT spend money on a STB (or additional satellite equipment). However, when I told them that TWC offers their HD box for a small additional fee each month, they jumped on it immediately. All of them  have the 3100 box (I think thats the new ones). They totally love what little programming is on TWC,  and when I tell them how much they are missing from OTA and satellite, they STILL hem-n-haw over price.
Besides cable carrying HD, we also need to see HD tuners below the $100 mark...yes that right, below $100. John Q. Public gets a NTSC tuner (that he doesn't use) free in every TV he buys, and he is thinking, "Why in Gods good name would I spent upward of $1000 for a tuner?" especially if he doesnt have satellite, and is using it just for OTA.
Have you ever tried to explain to someone about NTSC and ATSC, and why the ATSC tuners are more expensive? I might as well be explaining rocket science to them.
Last but not least...HD need the "killer app" to gain mass acceptance, especially in Milwaukee. FOOTBALL is exactly that! Most consumers of electronics are men, and men love watching football, especially in WI. Show the Packers in HD, I'd be willing to bet that stores wouldn't be able to keep HDTV's in stock, FAUX would get the highest rating EVER for a Sunday game, and HD would get a huge boost and acceptance.

Mix these three things together....free HD box from the cable company willing to carry all HD channels, cheap tuners for those using only OTA and/or sat., and football, and you would have the equivalent of a huge explosion in HD!

Matt



[This message has been edited by Matt Heebner (edited 07-23-2002).]

[borghe]

Well, we are starting to see non-sat tuners under $400. I believe Samsung's soon to be released OTA-only STB is set to come in around $400. After incentives we may see it down to $250-300 this holiday season. That is a pretty good price point. The big one this holiday I think will be if TV manufacturers can take that $200 tuner premium and incorporate it into an HDTV set (not monitor) for under $1000.

Well, those prices coupled with SOME FRIGGIN CONTENT!!!! Sorry. We need stations to broadcast also, otherwise prices mean nothing.

[Kevin Arnold]

This is where the Chinese can step in and make a killing. Just as they have cornered the low end DVD and TV market with their APEX brand and now JWIN (5" color TV with monitor inputs and remote control for about a $100) they could start manufacturing 25 to 30 inch 16x9 sets for about $600 with tuner included. This price break albeit low end quality would start this thing moving. And cable indeed is the key to the puzzle. As long as stations play the low power, part time game there is no good way for broadcast HDTV to catch on. You'll have to pipe the signal into each home to get any reception at all.