2009 - NOW how do you get your HDTV?

[Tom Snyder]

Our last poll was 2 years ago... time for an update.

[Talos4]

Still getting it through Satellite!  

12 years and counting!

[LoadStar]

Still cable. Still in an apartment without a southern facing side.

[kevbeck122]

Had cable until February... OTA since then.  I get most of my content using PlayOn Media Server to my PS3 (Netflix, Hulu, VOD content from some cable channels, etc.).  Some of it is in HD.

[SRW1000]

I haven't voted, since there's no option for multiple sources.  I've got Dish Network for cable stuff, but I'm OTA for all locals.

Scott

[budda]

I haven't voted, since there's no option for multiple sources.  I've got Dish Network for cable stuff, but I'm OTA for all locals.

Scott

Same but I voted for Sat.,OTA is just a way to save money. Plus I have a nice Ant. Peace;)

[Tom Snyder]

I haven't voted, since there's no option for multiple sources. I've got Dish Network for cable stuff, but I'm OTA for all locals.

Multiple selections are allowed... I'm satellite and OTA.

[Bluto]

Multiple selections are allowed... I'm satellite and OTA.

Same here.

Tom, when you do this poll again (in two years ), you might want to add an internet option.

[nwerner]

I do get all my HD from D* but this discussion of getting locals OTA and everything else from Sat got me thinking.  If Sat picks up the OTA signal for the locals then I would assume that they have the same bitrate thus making for no difference in picture.  Personally, I can't tell any difference in picture quality for my locals between D* and OTA and I just keep my antenna for PBS and the "very" occasional rain fade.

Also, concerning TWC, since they have a direct fiber line to the local channels do all the subchannels even make a difference for them?  I noticed a significant reduction in picture quality when I dropped TWC 2 years ago on CBS58 and wasn't sure if I should blame the signal source, cameras at the events(noticed this during NFL and NCAA Basketball), or something else.  Not that I am saying I would go back to TWC solely for this reason, just wondering.

[SRW1000]

I do get all my HD from D* but this discussion of getting locals OTA and everything else from Sat got me thinking.  If Sat picks up the OTA signal for the locals then I would assume that they have the same bitrate thus making for no difference in picture.  Personally, I can't tell any difference in picture quality for my locals between D* and OTA and I just keep my antenna for PBS and the "very" occasional rain fade.

It all depends on how they acquire the signal and what they do to it.  If they're picking up an OTA signal and retransmitting it, it won't look any better than what you could get OTA.  It could even look worse, if they recompress it before retransmitting it.

On the other hand, if they are getting it via a direct link, it could look better since they wouldn't necessarily be subject to broadcast bandwidth restrictions, or reduced quality due to multicasting.

I don't believe that either satellite provider has a direct link to the Milwaukee locals.  Does anyone know for sure?

Scott

[bradsmainsite]

Our last poll was 2 years ago... time for an update.

Hey Tom,  What would also be interesting is a poll where if given the choice how would you get your HDTV, as some are stuck with one option due to residency locations and restrictions.

Just a thought.

[gparris]

A few of my friends/clients/neighbours have switched to Directv for HD service now that CBS58HD is available over the dish, especially when the spouse doesn't do well with set top antennas or worse, big antennas (like we have to do in my area) to get at least the major 4 HD networks and of course, more HD channels.
-That could sway the move from cable, for example.
In my area, the one that I know of, it is a "mixed bag" of provider/subscribers because in my old neighbourhood, subscribers now can get ATT U-Verse OR TWC for pay HD service (not where I now live ).
-So the totals could have changed in in just the past few months as to provider, another example.

[Andrew]

I'm with Kevbeck, I get my HDTV online, abc, nbc.com, hulu and others.