Survey: Netflix Top Choice Of DVD Renters
But Consumer Reports notes the company charges extra for Blu-ray rentals
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2009) -- Netflix has scored the highest overall customer satisfaction marks in a Consumer Reports survey of its online subscribers, the publication announced.
Consumer Reports said Netflix received high marks for price, selection and service, but the publication added that survey respondents expressed satisfaction with all of the rated providers, which included subscription services, in-store kiosks, walk-in stores and chains.
The magazine also noted that Netflix charges an extra $1 monthly fee for Blu-ray rentals and that Blockbuster and Netflix offer the same number of Blu-ray titles (roughly 1,000.). Blockbuster's online service does not charge extra for Blu-ray rentals.
Blockbuster, which finished second in the survey, also allows subscribers to exchange online rentals at its retail stores.
Consumer Reports said price was the biggest factor in overall customer satisfaction, followed by convenience, variety, and flexibility. The publication said Netflix was top rated for selection and service.
"With monthly payment plans starting at $5, Netflix was among the standouts for price; it was top-rated for selection and service. Readers reported that orders were filled promptly and with very few errors," Consumer Reports said in a statement released yesterday.
Among in-store kiosks, Redbox received top marks for price and convenience, Consumer Reports said.
The full results of the Consumer Reports survey can be found in the March issue of the publication.
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Commentary
Hey, I Don't Want the DTV Switch Delayed!
But the feds better push it back unless they want chaos on their hands.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2009) -- The U.S. House this week is expected to vote on a Senate bill that would delay the Digital TV transition from February 17 to June 12. By most accounts, the legislation will pass and will soon be signed into law by President Obama who supports a delay.
And that's a damn good thing.
I predicted more than a year ago that the federal government would delay the nation's switch from analog to digital signals. As a longtime observer of the federal government (including 10 years as a congressional reporter), I have come to the conclusion that our nation's leaders are incapable of doing anything right until the problem blows up in their faces.
Why?
Politicians only care about covering their fat political asses, getting re-elected and blaming others for their mistakes. They couldn't care less about their constituents, the concept of public service or just simply doing a good job. (Trust me, I've seen these animals up close; they are even worse than you think.)
Joe Six Pack: What's a converter box?
So forecasting that the digital transition would be delayed was one of my easiest predictions. I knew that the feds would screw it up -- and they certainly have. Seriously, here we are roughly two weeks away from the transition and:
1. The Converter Waiting List Is Growing and Growing...
Millions of people are now on a federal waiting list for $40 digital converter coupons because the feds ran out of money to issue them. (The coupons can be used to buy converters that can enable old analog TVs to keep working when the signals are switched to digital.)
Why did they run out of money?
At the start, the feds decided to make everyone eligible for the coupons, regardless of their income level. Yes, that's right. Bill Gates is eligible for a $40 coupon. Warren Buffet is eligible. Donald Trump is eligible. Everybody is eligible! No wonder they ran out of money!
The feds should have made the coupons available only to the people who needed them the most -- low income folks who can't afford to plunk down $60 or $70 for a converter box, not to mention buy a new Digital TV.
Plus, the feds should have done a better job of alerting cable and satellite subscribers that they didn't need converter boxes so they wouldn't apply for them. (Cable and satellite providers provide digital boxes as part of their service.) That would have left more coupons available for those who did need them.
2. Millions of People Are Still Baffled
Approximately seven million people say they are not ready for the switch and polls show that the chief reason is that they are confused. They still don't have a clue whether to get a converter box, a new TV or stand on their heads and hope for the best.
And there's no wonder. The government and the CE industry did a horrible job of educating consumers on how to prepare for the switch. Horrible! The slick PR commercials (by cable, local stations, the feds, etc.) looked like they were designed by Silicon Valley tech freaks for Silicon Valley tech freaks.
How was Grandma Moses or Joe Six Pack going to understand what was going on with all those flashy graphics and fast cuts on their screen? Give me a break.
3. The Feds Are Continuing to Confuse People
Okay, it's February 2 and the federal government still hasn't decided on the transition date! You don't think that's not confusing people?
Dear God, what if Congress this week decides not to postpone the transition -- after the president and congressional leaders said they likely would postpone it.
Well, there's little chance that those seven million people will run out and get converter boxes in the next two weeks; based on what they've been hearing, those seven million people probably have already decided that the transition will be delayed.
So, Congress better delay this thing or it will be an even bigger mess than it would have been before they started talking about a delay a few weeks ago.
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let me get to the real point of this commentary.
Yes, I predicted the transition would be delayed. I have also pointed out (repeatedly) over the last year how the feds were exhibiting gross incompetence in managing the transition.
Because of those two things, some readers have posted comments in our message board saying that I have always wanted the transition to be delayed. By pointing out the transition's flaws, some people assume that I am against it.
Well, that's nonsense. Like it or not, I realize the Digital TV transition is inevitable. But I don't want to see millions of people suddenly lose their TV signals because of government incompetence. I don't want to see millions of people flooding government offices and local stations with phone calls. And I don't want to see local TV stations suddenly have a dramatic drop-off in ratings.
The Digital TV transition must happen -- but it must be done right. So, yes, approve the damn delay.
But as I say that, I have to ask a final question:
Will our politicians put aside their petty ways and do it right the second time around?
I wish I could say I can predict that one..
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Dish Network Adds HD Channel; Drops Another
This satcaster does not offer an explanation.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (February 1, 2009) -- Dish Network today added the Crime & Investigation high-def channel, but apparently made room in its lineup by dropping the Smithsonian Channel HD.
That's according to an article by Multichannel News.
Dish subscribers who tune to Smithsonian Channel HD are greeted with an on-screen message saying the satcaster "regrets that we no longer offer this channel." Viewers are advised to consult Dish's web site for more information.
The web site, however, only shows that the Smithsonian Channel has been replaced by the Crime and Investigation HD channel in the satcaster's 'PlatinumHD' programming package.
Dish officials have hinted that they will add several more HD channels this year, but they have not said anything about dropping channels to make room.
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House Rejects DTV Delay -- For Now
But House leaders plan another vote next week.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 29, 2009) -- The House of Representatives yesterday rejected a measure that would have pushed the Digital TV deadline from Feb. 17 to June 12.
The House voted 258-168 in favor of the delay, but the bill needed a two-third majority to pass under rules approved for its consideration; the legislation fell 26 votes short of the two-thirds majority.
The defeat surprised many industry observers who thought the delay was assured when the Senate earlier in the week approved it by a voice vote. However, House Republicans opposed the delay, saying it would further confuse consumers.
Despite yesterday's defeat, House Democratic leaders remained hopeful that the delay bill would pass next week when it would not require a two-thirds vote.
"The likelihood is we'll come back next week" and pass the bill, said Rep. Rick Boucher, chairman of the House telecommunications subcommittee, according to the Los Angeles Times.
A spokesperson for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told The Times that the speaker was looking for a way to hold another vote.
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.
But the Obama administration has urged Congress to delay the transition from analog to digital, saying that millions of people are not ready for the switch and therefore could lose their TV signals.
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Netflix: Blu-ray Subs Hit 700,000
The DVD rental service charges a $1 monthly surcharge.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 29, 2009) -- Netflix said this week that it ended the fourth quarter with 700,000 Blu-ray subscribers, a sharp jump from the previous quarter.
The online DVD rental service said it had roughly 500,000 Blu-ray subscribers at the end of the third quarter. But the company increased that total despite adding a $1 monthly surcharge on Blu-ray customers.
In an investors call, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said the high-def disc is doing better than expected thanks largely to dropping Blu-ray player prices.
“If Blu-ray player prices continue to fall as expected, driven by next-generation chip designs, then widespread adoption becomes increasingly likely and it extends the life of disc-based viewing," Hastings said.
The company also reported that its fourth-quarter profit soared 45 percent and that it now has more than nine million subscribers overall.
"Our October forecast of slowing growth turned out to be wrong," Netflix CFO Barry McCarthy said during the investors call.
Netflix also said that "millions" of subscribers are using its video streaming service, but the company would not disclose specific numbers. The streaming service, which enables you to download Netflix movies over Internet lines on several devices including Blu-ray players and the XBox 360, is free to subscribers.
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Digital TV Switch: Prisoners Getting New HDTVs
The Massachusetts corrections department says it was preferable to buying cheaper digital converter boxes.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 28, 2009) -- Can't afford a new High-Definition TV? Well, steal one. If they catch you, you'll still be able to watch it in prison.
At least in Massachusetts, that is.
The Boston Herald reports that the Massachusetts Department of Corrections has purchased 117 new High-Definition TVs for inmates to watch this Sunday's Super Bowl.
The sets, which include 32-inch LG sets and 26-inch Sharp LCDs, cost the state $76,958 at a time when Massachusetts is laying off workers and cutting social programs. The sets are being installed in the common areas of all state DOC prisons this month.
DOC spokeswoman Diane Wiffin defends the purchase by saying the state was forced to upgrade because of the nation's scheduled switch to Digital TV signals next month. The agency formed a committee in 2007 to study the digital transition and decided to purchase the new high-def sets for the common areas rather than buy digital converter boxes, which cost between $40 and $70.
However, the DOC did buy converter boxes for prisoners' in-cell televisions.
Massachusetts is not the only state facing the problem of how to upgrade prisoners' televisions when the digital switch occurs. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Florida is planning to spend $100,000 in tax money to upgrade 1,500 prison televisions so they will operate when the switch happens. And in McLennan County in Texas, the local prison there also bought new TVs to get ready for the transition, reports The Waco Tribune.
But The Boston Herald reports that some law enforcement officials are outraged by the purchase.
“It sends the wrong message when they’re asking sheriff offices throughout the state to cut at least a million out of our budget,” said Worcester County Sheriff Guy Glodis, who says he recently removed TVs from the Worcester County House of Correction. “I would argue there are other things you can spend the money on that are more conducive to rehabilitation.”
But Wiffin told the Herald that the HDTVs were "modest" and were bought from the prisoners' 'canteen funds' rather a direct appropriation from the state. Canteen funds are accumulated by prisoner purchases of items in the prison canteen, such as food and assorted sundries.
It is unclear what happens to canteen money when it's not being used to buy high-def televisions.
“I think you can find a better use for $77,000 than to go out and buy TVs for guys who are used to stealing them," Steve Kenneway, president of the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federal Union, told the Herald.
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U.S. Senate OKs Digital TV Delay
The House is expected to act this week.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 27, 2009) -- The U.S. Senate last night voted to delay the nation's switch to Digital TV from Feb. 17 to June 12 and the House could do the same as early as today.
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.
But the Obama administration has urged Congress to delay the transition from analog to digital, saying that millions of people are not ready for the switch and therefore could lose their TV signals.
The president and others have noted that the federal government has run out of funds for $40 coupons that consumers can use to defray the cost of the converters. Obama's proposed economic stimulus legislation includes $650 million to refund the converter coupon program.
The Senate passed the delay bill last night on a voice vote, but key senators have said for weeks that the nation is not ready for the transition.
"I firmly believe that our nation is not yet ready to make this transition at this time," said Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Rockefeller who proposed the delay bill.
To generate Republican support, Rockefeller has promised not to seek more delays past the June 12 deadline. Additionally, local stations are permitted to switch to digital before June if they get approval from the FCC.
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Congress Likely to Approve Digital TV Delay
The bill is expected to be voted on this week.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 26, 2009) -- Congress appears poised this week to pass legislation that will postpone next month's Digital TV transition to June.
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.
But critics of the Feb. 12 transition date note that the federal government has run out of funds for the $40 converter box coupons that can be used to purchase the set-tops. They also say that millions of people still seem confused about how to prepare for the transition.
President Obama and most Democratic lawmakers have urged a delay in the transition, but Republicans have balked, saying it would further confuse consumers. But Sen. Jay Rockefeller, chairman of the Democratic-controlled Senate Commerce Committee, late last week reached a compromise with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, the panel's top ranking Republican, that calls for the transition to take place on June 12.
Hutchinson says she's content that the bill would allow local stations to switch to digital before June 12 if they so desired. Many local stations which have been preparing to make the switch next month have said it will cost them money if they have to wait until June.
“I am pleased that chairman Rockefeller worked with me to address many of the concerns with the early proposals,” Hutchison said, according to Multichannel News. “Significant challenges remain, however, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure a smooth transition to digital television for all Americans.”
While the delay still needs to win approval of the full Senate -- and the House -- the Rockefeller/Hutchinson compromise is seen as a critical step to making that happen. Sen. Rockefeller says the delay legislation is likely to be voted on in the Senate this week.
“Let me be clear. This legislation is not perfect. But it represents a turning point, a start,” he said, according to Multichannel News.
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Is Blu-ray's 'BD Live' Dead?
Executives acknowledge that early Blu-ray interactive features may have been difficult to understand.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 26, 2009) -- For roughly two years, the Hollywood studios have heavily promoted the interactive features available on Blu-ray high-def discs such as accessing ringtones, games, movie trailers and other content from the Net.
Known as BD Live, the ITV features have been prominently featured in Blu-ray ad campaigns and in-box promotions. However, studio executives are now acknowledging that BD Live, which requires an Internet connection (and some might argue, a tech savvy viewer), may have been too much for consumers to comprehend.
So, the studios are going back to the drawing board with new BD Live features designed to find a larger audience.
“If the initial experience with a feature wasn't immediately intuitive to people, they'd just move on," Miguel Casillas, a Lionsgate senior vice president, tells Video Business. "Users weren't saying they didn't like BD Live, because uber-fans want to get close to the films they love. But it just needs to be easy and fast.”
Video Business reports that BD Live features in 2009 will be "better integrated, easier to use, more plentiful and more glitzy than last year."
By example, Lionsgate plans to launch a BD Live portal, called Lionsgate Live, where viewers will be able to access games, ringtones and chats with the film's director.
Zane Vella, who has worked on BD Live for 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, tells Video Business that he agrees that the studios may have frighten early BD Live users by requiring them to register before using the features.
“There is going to be more experimentation with what you can do with BD Live before registration,” says Vella. “It will give people more access. Registration can be a hurdle to a seamless consumer experience.”
Sony and Disney also told the publication that they plan to refine the BD Live experience.
Commentary:
Okay, I've been telling these studio idiots for almost two years that consumers couldn't care less about the interactive features on Blu-ray discs. They just want to watch the movie, not sit there downloading ringtones and playing little games with themselves or others.
But the studio executives have been too smart for their own good; they thought -- and they continue to think -- that they can persuade the American public to interact with their televisions.
It ain't going to happen, guys, so give it up.
Concentrate instead on the obvious superior benefits of owning a Blu-ray player -- great picture and great sound. And stop talking about the ITV stuff because all you're doing is confusing a potential customer.
After two years, the studio executives apparently now have enough data to see that BD Live has been a failure. However, instead of accepting the failure and moving on, they now will "refine" the experience.
Well, refine this, fellas: If you keep pushing ITV, you will just alienate and confuse millions of possible buyers.
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Disney to Debut Bolt On Blu-ray
This will be the first time ever Blu-ray gets the edge over DVD.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 23, 2009) -- Disney has announced that it will release the animated hit Bolt on Blu-ray high-def disc on March 22, two days before its DVD debut on March 24.
Video Business reports that it will be the first time ever that a major video release will debut on Blu-ray before DVD, a sign that the studios are shifting their focus to growing the Blu-ray audience.
The publication adds that retail sources say that Disney hopes the early Blu-ray release for Bolt will generate more interest in the high-def disc.
“This should give some incentive to Blu-ray fans,” one studio source told Video Business.
However, the source added that “this is not a strategy that will happen with every title.”
Until now, new video releases were either released first on DVD or they were released on DVD and Blu-ray on the same day.
Despite Disney's strategy, one retail source tells Video Business that it could back fire, saying that retailers could break the embargo on the Bolt DVD and sell it on the same day as the Blu-ray debut.
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Digital TV: Show Some Leadership!
The transition date should not be moved, says our writer.
By Joseph Whip
Washington, D.C. (January 22, 2009) -- When was it that America became the can't do nation? I pondered this question over and over the past few days while I was in Paris and read the news articles about the impending delay of the digital transition until June 2009. When one visits the beaches in Normandy and walks through the streets of Paris, one can't help but recall the days when America was capable of whatever it put its mind to, from D- Day to the Marshall Plan and the space program.
Let me make this very clear, I am completely against delaying the digital transition any further. The transition has been delayed long enough. It is hard to believe that the first digital broadcasts went live in the top 10 TV markets in November 1998. That is now over ten years of DTV, albeit not across the entire country. The digital transition was initially scheduled for 1996 but was delayed three years until February 2009. It was delayed because the TV stations claimed that they didn't have the money and the public was not ready.
After three years, the stations are now ready but the public isn't?
Come on now. It is now time for the government to lead as it once used to. Keep the transition date as scheduled. It is now up to the people to adapt. If they want their TV, they have very clear choices, get a cable, DBS or telco provider or a converter box.
I can understand that a given consumer may not want to spend for cable but $40 for a converter box? Even if the money for the coupons has run out, why not get one box and wait until the coupons are ready for the other TV's in your home. For those households with available cash, there is no excuse not to get the boxes you need. Allowing a delay due to political pressure for a small percentage of the population will only result in even further delays down the line, as the same concerns that would result in a delay today will still be present in
Three months, 6 months, a year and more. The only way to get the transition over and get everyone on board is to go through with it NOW. There is no time like the present. It seems that all we do collectively as a nation is want to procrastinate.
Rather than bitch and moan and drag our feet, how about adopting a can do attitude and move forward with the digital transition without any further delay. Perhaps we can learn from this experience and use that same can do attitude on much more important issues than TV reception! All it takes is some leadership!
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Nielsen: 6.5M Homes Still Not Ready For Digital TV
The converter funding shortage will likely keep the number high.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 22, 2009) -- Nielsen said today that 6.5 million U.S. homes are still not prepared for next month's scheduled transition to Digital TV signals.
While this is an improvement of 1.3 million homes from Nielsen's last report in December, it likely won't satisfy critics who say the transition should be delayed. President Obama and numerous congressional lawmakers have called for a delay and both the House and Senate are considering bills to move the transition date.
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television. House and Senate lawmakers are considering moving the date to June.
Critics of the Feb. 12 transition date note that the federal government has run out of funds for the $40 converter box coupons that can be used to purchase the set-tops. They also say that millions of people still seem confused about how to prepare for the transition.
In a blog post at Nielsen.com, Susan Whiting, the company's vice chairperson, said that minorities are the least prepared. To wit:
* 9.9 percent of African-American families are unprepared
* 9.7 percent of Hispanic families are unprepared
* 8.8 percent of young families (ages 18-34) are unprepared.
Albuquerque, New Mexico ranks first with with the most unprepared people with 12.24 percent of residents not prepared, according to Nielsen. Dallas/Fort Worth is second with 10.21 percent; Houston is third with 9.95 percent; Tulsa, Oklahoma is fourth with 9.5 percent; while Portland, Oregon is fifth with 9.1 percent.
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Twilight to Be Blu Exclusive at Target, Best Buy
The teen vampire movie is expected to generate big sales.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- Twilight, the teen vampire romance, will be released on Blu-ray high-def disc on March 21, but will only be available in Blu at Target and Best Buy for a limited time after release.
That's according to an article by Video Business.
The film, which has made nearly $200 million in U.S. box office receipts, is expected to generate strong Blu-ray sales, perhaps challenging The Dark Knight as the best-selling Blu-ray disc ever.
Twilight could also spark more interest in Blu-ray discs, particularly among young females who own PlayStation 3 video game consoles which have Blu-ray players inside. The movie was a smash hit with female teens, many of whom saw the film several times.
However, the decision to restrict sales of the disc to two stores until May 5 (when it will be available to all retailers) could reduce the film's overall sales total, at least in the initial weeks. Video Business reports that Summit Home Entertainment, which is distributing the film, refused to reveal why the Blu-ray disc would only be available in two stores for nearly two months.
But the publication notes that most PS3 owners are male, which could suggest the studio is less confident that Twilight will be a Blu-ray hit.
Video Business reports that the Blu-ray edition will be available for rental during the time it will only be available for sale at Target and Best Buy.
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Obama Again Urges Digital TV Delay
A presidential advisor says the situation is getting worse.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- President Obama's team has sent a second letter to Congress urging that it delay next month's transition from analog TV signals to digital.
The Washington Post reports that the letter, which was sent January 19, the day before Obama officially became president, says the nation needs more time to prepare for the transition.
The letter came from John Podesta, who headed the Obama transition team. Podesta also sent a Jan. 8 letter to key congressional leaders urging a delay in the transition which is now scheduled for February 17, 2009.
“Since then, the situation has only gotten worse,” Podesta stated in this week's letter, according to the Post. “Lack of appropriate planning has left many consumers vulnerable.”
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.
By law, every American home is eligible to receive two $40 coupons for converter boxes, but federal officials say they are out of funds and have been putting people on waiting lists for two weeks. Without the coupons, consumers would have to purchase the converters with 100 percent of their own money; converters cost between $40 and $75.
Consequently, concerns are growing that millions of consumers will not be ready when the transition occurs. In addition to the coupon snafu, some lawmakers and others have also expressed concern that consumers need further education on issues such as antenna upgrades.
Both the House and Senate are considering bills that would delay the transition until June 12, despite objections from some House Republicans who say a delay would only further confuse consumers.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee today postponed action on the House bill today, saying it wanted to review the Senate's plans, according to the Associated Press. Dow Jones reports that the Senate could vote on its bill to delay the transition to June 12 as early as this week.
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DIRECTV Adds Comedy Central HD
The channel will offer a mix of high-def and standard-def programming.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- DIRECTV today added the new Comedy Central HD channel.
The new channel, a simulcast of its standard-def channel, launched earlier this month. Cablevision added it last week and Cox is expected to add it soon.
Comedy Central HD will offer roughly 200 hours of programming in true high-def, including episodes of South Park, which is expected to begin airing in HD in the first quarter of this year.
The network said The Daily Show and The Colbert Report will initially be upconverted for the high-def channel, but will switch to true HD in the future.
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Cablevision Replaces Voom HD Channels
The cable operator took the Voom channels off the air earlier this month.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- Cablevision today is expected to begin rolling out 15 new High-Definition channels to replace the 15 Voom high-def networks that have gone off the air.
The new channels that will replace the Voom channels are: Encore HD; Starz Edge HD; Showtime Showcase HD; Starz Kids & Family HD, HBO Family HD, HBO Signature HD, HBO Comedy HD, HBO Zone HD, HBO2 HD, HBO Latino HD, Showtime Too HD, Action Max HD, More Max HD, @Max HD and Outer Max HD.
Rainbow Media, a division of Cablevision, announced last month that it was shutting down the domestic operations of the 15-channel Voom HD programming suite.
Cablevision was the only TV provider that carried the 15-channel package, following a contract dispute with Dish Network, which dropped Voom earlier this year. (Rainbow and Dish are engaged in a legal battle over the action.) The cable operator said it would replace the Voom channels when they officially went off the air in January.
Unlike the Voom channels, the 15 replacement channels are premium channels which require pay subscriptions. Cablevision is expected to add the channels to its local systems over the next three days.
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Dish Network Airs The Beast In 1080p
The satcaster says the video quality is comparable to Blu-ray.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 18, 2009) -- Dish Network says it's now offering the new A&E drama The Beast in 1080p, which would be a video resolution comparable to the Blu-ray high-def disc.
The Beast, a crime drama which stars Patrick Swayze and airs Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET, is the first TV series broadcast in 1080p, according to Dish Network.
The satcaster says the 1080p edition of The Beast is available to Dish subscribers via their Internet-based VOD lineup the day after a new episode premieres. To watch the program in 1080p, Dish owners must have a MPEG-4 HD DVR receiver, a High-Definition TV that's 1080p compatible, and a broadband connection to download the show.
"We are thrilled to work with A&E in pioneering these efforts by taking television to the next level using 1080p format," said Jessica Insalaco, Dish's chief marketing officer. "As the first pay-TV provider to first offer VOD movies and now offer a TV series in 1080p, DISH Network continues to lead the industry when it comes to delivering the best quality programming options, DVR technology and overall value for our customers."
Dish has earlier announced that it's offering some PPV films in 1080p, including The Dark Knight.
However, some high-def experts have disputed whether the video is truly 1080p.
"But are they Blu-ray quality?," the New York Times asked of the Dish movies in an article last August. "Resolution is not the only factor that determines picture quality. Another is bit rate, the number of bits per second that are being transmitted down the pipe to consumers...Bit rate is a subject that the cable and satellite providers never discuss, but anyone who watches the various services can see that some channels are considerably softer looking than others."
The Times quoted well-known TV engineer Pete Putman as saying that CBS now offers the high bit rate over the air with 17 megabits per second for its high-def programs; and that's for 1080i, not 1080p. But Putman says he believes Dish transmits high-def programming at around 6-8 megabits per seconds.
Consequently, Putnam is dubious that the satcasters have the bandwidth to increase their bit rate to offer true 1080p video.
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News Analysis
Digital TV: 7 Steps to Success
The switch to digital can work -- if the feds following my lead.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2009) -- The Digital TV transition is now a total mess. Even if you don't think next month's transition date should be moved, you would be hard pressed to argue that things are going smoothly.
President-elect Obama, numerous congressmen and two ex-FCC chairmen have called for a delay in the transition; the feds have run out of money for digital converter boxes; Nielsen says as many as 6.8 million people are completely unprepared for the switch; and some studies indicate that million more will lose some TV signals because of weak antennas and other issues.
But House Republicans and others pushing for the transition to go as planned on February 17, 2009 say that a delay would only cause more consumer confusion. They add that it's mpossible for every viewer to be on board when the switch occurs -- regardless of when it's done. Consequently, they argue, proceed with the transition and whoever is left behind will eventually figure out how to get their TV signals back.
While I agree it's impossible to ensure that every single TV viewer will not lose some signals when the transition occurs, I do believe that you can minimize the disruption -- if you do it right.
And I also believe that that should be the government's attitude -- they started this transition so they have a responsibility to do everything possible to help their citizens keep their TVs. The cavalier comments from some (government and private industry) officials that people will just 'figure it out later' are shameful.
So, how can the government complete this transition with minimum damage done to its citizens? Here are seven steps:
1. Delay the Transition By Five Months
Move the transition date to August 17, 2009, not May 17, 2009 as some congressmen are contemplating. The May date would be in the middle of Sweeps Month, the critical ratings period for local TV stations. Moving the transition to a time when stations could lose some viewers, at least temporarily, just doesn't make sense. August is a low ratings period; there will be less disruption on both the local stations and viewers who won't lose the season finales of their favorite shows.
Additionally, three months is not enough time to get this transition back on track.
2. Hire Ex-FCC Chairman Michael Powell as Digital TV Czar
Arguably, the biggest problem that the Digital TV transition has experienced is that no one has been in charge. The FCC Chairman is not ultimately responsible for its success; the National Telecommunications and Information Administration chief isn't, either.
The program was set up (purposely in my opinion) so that no one could be singularly blamed if it failed. (Who wants to be Brownnie?) It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a program without a person in charge doesn't get done right.
Ex-FCC Chairman Michael Powell has joined President-elect Obama in calling for a delay. Well, let's call him in to run the transition -- immediately. As the FCC Chairman from 2001 to 2005, he is intimately aware of the issues and what needs to be done to effectively bring this thing to an end. And as someone with political ambitious, he will sweat the details to ensure that things get done.
3. Hire Bill Cosby as 'The Face' of Digital TV
The government's lack of a well-known person to lead the transition effort has been a problem. In past educational campaigns run by the government, high-profile officials such as Dr. C. Everett Koop (health issues) and Tom Ridge (terrorism) have served on point to address the public's concerns. While their effectiveness can be debated, at least you knew who you could turn to.
The federal government needs a high-profile person to head the educational aspects of this program, someone who can communicate how to prepare for the switch in simple terms. And someone who will instantly command respect from minorities and older residents -- the groups that surveys indicate are most clueless about the switch.
While many people would fit the bill, one name jumps out at me:
Bill Cosby.
The 70-year-old comedian is African-American and, yes, elderly, but he's more than that. Cosby has a gift of explaining things in simple and humorous terms. He would be a hit in federal PSAs, Town Hall meetings and media interviews. Suddenly, millions of Americans who are now tuning out those Digital TV spots would start paying attention.
4. Restrict Converter Coupons to Lower-Income Residents
This one will be controversial, but that's tough. From the start, the government decided that every American -- from Joe Blow to Bill Gates -- would be eligible for the two $40 coupons that could be used to buy digital converter boxes. Consequently, the government didn't have enough money to fully subsidize the entire cost of the converter, which can run as much as $70. As a result, low-income residents had to dip into their own pockets to make up the difference.
That was just dumb. There are now a sizable number of people on the waiting list for converter boxes who could buy $1,500 High-Definition TVs without giving it a thought.
In the post-transition period, the government should only issue coupons to people making less than $75,000. And the coupons should not be for $40; they should be good for any digital converter box that costs under $70. As a result, a person just has to bring a coupon into a store and redeem it immediately for a converter.
I will admit that this one could be difficult logistically. First, the government has to determine which people on the converter box 'waiting list' are making less than $75,000. (But if they can determine how much our government rebates are, they should be able to determine this.) They also would have to tell people making over $75,000 that there will be no more coupon funding for them. But the overwhelming majority of people who still haven't gotten converter boxes are making less than $75,000. That's the audience the government needs to focus on in the home stretch.
5. Create a Partnership With CE Retailers For Converter Installation
Early Digital TV tests in Wilmington, North Carolina and a few other cities have shown that many people who buy the converters don't know how to use them; they don't realize that they need to be programmed. Consequently, some folks -- okay, particularly older folks -- think the converters are broken. (The FCC actually hired fire fighters in Wilmington to go to homes to program the boxes.)
The government should devote some of that stimulus money to creating a partnership with Best Buy and other CE retailers so they can send people to your home to install the converter box after you buy it. The installation would be free for a limited time only.
6. Pass More Funding for New Antennas
The dirty little secret of the Digital TV transition is that even if you install a converter box on your old analog TV, you may not get some of the local stations you get now. The nature of a digital signal is different than an analog signal; you either get it or you don't. And with the cheap antennas now installed in many homes, many people will lose some stations, if not all of them.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent, is working on legislation that would help subsidize the purchase of new rooftop antennas. That should be part of the post-transition plan.
7. Get Some Presidential Leadership
During the last eight years, I don't think you could find eight words spoken on the subject by President Bush. The president has ignored the digital transition despite calls from the National Association of Broadcasters and others to get involved by starring in Public Service Announcements.
President-elect Obama should commit to making the transition a priority in his early months in office. Yes, there are more important things going on -- oh, you know, a global economic meltdown, for example, -- but the success of this program is critical to keeping the electorate happy and content. And in the long run, as times get tougher, that will be important to this president.
Conclusion
Finally, as you can see, the transition will be costly if the government follows my seven steps. Until now, the government has tried to do it on the cheap. But unless it wants millions of people running around angry and looking to do something about it, it better get this done right. It can't ensure that 100 percent of the populace will have their TV signals when the transition occurs, but it can get close.
And at this point, that's the best anyone can offer.
[ 38 comments ]
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CES: Is 3-D Ready for Primetime?
It may be awhile before home viewers enter the next dimension.
By Joseph Whip
Washington, D.C. (January 13, 2009) -- While visiting CES last week, I had the opportunity to check out two HDTV events in 3D, the National Championship BCS game on January 8 and a 3D experience presented by Panasonic at the show.
While both demonstrations showed some promise, I must say that the future of 3D HD technology in the home is far from clear.
The BCS game showed the pros and cons of the 3D experience. The BCS broadcast was beamed to several theaters around the country including a theater at the Paris Hotel in Vegas. The broadcast was completely independent of the broadcast shown on Fox with different announcers and completely different camera angles.
It was the camera angles used to show the game which was what I found the most unnerving thing about the broadcast. It appears that the 3D effect is not as noticeable the farther away the 3D camera is from the action. Therefore, in order to maximize the 3D effect, the broadcast used several cameras that were either on the sidelines or in the first couple of rows in the stands shooting over the heads to the Florida bench.
From these low angles, the 3D effect was very impressive, showing great depth. The problem is that the sideline of a football game is one of the worst vantages from which to watch a game which is why most offensive and defensive coordinators choose to view the game from the press box.
The camera placement choices designed to really show off the 3D effect also made the game very difficult to watch and enjoy, which is the whole point of televised sports in the first place. The cameras were so close to the field that often times, the end result of the play was not in one's field of view. Many times, the quarterback would drop back to pass and throw and you would not see whether the pass was completed, dropped or intercepted and would instead have to watch a reply from another angle to see what happened.
This was due to a couple of factors, the narrow field of vision of the cameras as well as the fact that the camera could not see through the players standing on the sidelines when the camera operator would pan to follow the play. The shots taken from above the action during a normal broadcast simply did not have the depth of the lower shots so I can see why they wanted to use the lower shots.
The more traditional press box shot at the 50 yard line looked barely 3D and lacked much in the way of the wow factor that the lower shots conveyed. However, the decision to do so really made the game a chore to watch. I couldn't help but think while watching the game that I would have been much better off watching the game on a large flat panel screen.
Before 3D technology is used on a regular basis for televised sports, especially football, there are quite a few bugs that need to be worked out. The placement of cameras is issue number one for me. Another issue is the use of the polarized glasses. If you are like me and already wear glasses, putting another set of glasses over them to watch an event is a real pain. If you don't wear glasses already, donning a pain to watch TV is a pain as well. For a special event or movie at the theater it is OK but to have to use the 3D glasses at home to watch TV just seems like a hard sell to me.
Another issue that needs to be worked out dovetails into the issue of camera placement is the effect that quick camera panning has on the 3D image. Each time the camera had to make a quick pan or movement to follow the action, the image on screen would jump and move around in a circle to the point that you though there was something wrong with your eyes. Until this issue is resolved either through improvements to the technology itself or through better camera placement, it seems to me that the use of 3D technology for fast paced sports is problematic at best and best left to movies.
As for the Panasonic event, a recorded segment featuring movie trailers and sports was shown on Panasonic's 103-inch plasma sets in a rather small room. All in all, this was a much better experience due to the fact that there was no camera placement or motion issues as the content was carefully selected to show off the benefits of 3D.
While those benefits were obvious to every viewer, the wearing of glasses for the effect was still bothersome and frankly a bit fatiguing. Even though the demonstration lasted about 10 minutes, I found the whole experience to be fatiguing resulting in a good bit of eye strain. While the 3D effect is impressive, I can't see at this stage in the technology, 3D having much of a future in the home environment. Until the issues described above are worked out, I see 3D HD's immediate future (i.e. the next 5 years of so) limited to special events at a local theater rather that at home, or at least, the homes of all but the most wealthiest of Americans.
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Verizon Urges No Delay For Digital TV
But AT&T says it should be delayed 90 days.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 12, 2009) -- Verizon today urged Congress to keep the current Digital TV transition date despite calls from President-elect Barack Obama to push it back.
That's according to the Dow Jones news service.
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.
Verizon Communications Chairman Ivan Seidenberg today sent a letter to Congress contending a delay would further confuse consumers.
"Not only is it unclear that a delay will ensure a smoother transition, but it is likely a delay would undermine the DTV transition by causing significant disruption and consumer confusion," the executive stated, according to Dow Jones.
Verizon is the first major TV provider to publicly oppose Obama's call for a delay. AT&T's u-Verse service on Monday released a letter to congressional leaders calling for a 90-day delay in the transition, according to Multichannel News.
"From AT&T's perspective, a smooth transition from analog broadcast transmission to digital is in the public interest and will ultimately inure to the benefit of all Americans," AT&T senior executive vice president James Cicconi stated.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, is working on draft legislation for a 90-day delay, Multichannel News writes, and the legislation could be passed as early as this week.
President-elect Obama, several key congressional lawmakers and two former FCC chairmen have called for a delay, noting that the federal government has run out of funds for converter box coupons. The delay proponents also say millions of consumers are still confused by the transition process and will likely lose their TV signals if the transition is not pushed back.
Obama's interjection into the controversy has generated a mixed response, however, with some technology officials and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin saying that the transition should not be delayed.
Most TV providers, such as DIRECTV and Comcast, have yet to publicly take a stand on the delay.
[ 18 comments ]
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Swanni's 'Best Of CES' Awards!
The show may be over, but the memories are just beginning.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2009) -- Right about now, thousands of people who attended this week's Consumer Electronics Show are dragging their sorry butts to the McCarran International Airport In Las Vegas for the long journey back home.
Yes, the show is finally over -- and I think I speak for everyone when I say:
Thank God!
But before we put the lid on the 2009 CES, I want to issue my 'Best of Show' awards.
No, the Swanni 'Best Of Show' awards is nothing like the 'Best of Show' awards that organizations like CNET issue every year; CNET's 'Best Of" awards are for the best new tech products that will never succeed in the marketplace. (Really, CNET, just once, couldn't you pick a 'Best Of Show' product that consumers actually wanted?)
The Swanni 'Best Of Show' awards honors CES special performances and dubious achievements perhaps unseen by some attendees. So, without further adieu, let's get to the first award!
Best Mike 'Brownnie' Brown Impression
Goes to...FCC Chairman Kevin Martin!
The FCC chief is arguably more responsible for the disaster known as the Digital TV transition than any other single person. For the past year, while the transition program exhibited serious flaws, Martin chose to spend his time on countless anti-cable TV initiatives, most of which were wisely ignored by his fellow commissioners.
And then on Saturday at CES, Martin went politically tone deaf, saying next month's switchover date of February 17, 2009 should not be changed despite a growing chorus (including President-elect Obama) saying it should.
It's just a matter of time before Obama removes Martin as FCC chief. Perhaps before he does, he can tell him that he's done a heckuva job.
Best Example of Not Understanding the TV Audience
Goes to...Yahoo!
At CES, Yahoo! unveiled several deals with TV makers to install their Internet widgets on their screens. The widgets, which will be positioned at the bottom of the screen, will allow viewers to click on them and access related information via the Net.
But here's the problem, Yahoo!
Viewers don't want more clutter on their TV screen; they want less. People are already complaining about network logos and sports scoreboards in the corner of their screens during games. Do you think they will invite even more graphics to obscure their sensational looking high-def picture?
Answer: No!
Yahoo! needs! to! get! back! to! what! it! does! best! -- whatever that is these days!
Best Wishful Thinking of the Week
Goes to...Panasonic!
Several TV makers this week proudly displayed new sets that can display 3-D images. But perhaps no TV maker was more bullish on the technology than Panasonic which even had a motto for it: "You've stepped up to HD, now step into 3D."
If Panasonic doesn't watch out, they're going to step in it all right. While 3-D has some potential in movie theaters, home viewers have not shown much enthusiasm for donning special goggles while sitting around the old living room. They also are not likely to pay more money for TVs that offer 3-D features.
Now I know that's what Panasonic (and other TV makers are) hoping for -- that people will be enticed to spend more money for televisions. But it's just wishful thinking, guys.
One day -- oh, I trust, one day -- the industry will finally understand that Americans want their television experience to be relaxing, simple and convenient; not interactive, complicated and costly.
Best Chutzpah Display of the Week
Goes to...Enderle Group analyst Rob Enderle!
In a CES interview this week with the Times of London, Enderle blasted the Blu-ray high-def disc format, saying he's not convinced that it will ever go mainstream. What Enderle conveniently neglected to tell the newspaper is that he predicted that HD DVD would defeat Blu-ray in the high-def format war, making him a less than reliable forecaster on the subject.
"I’ve just recently written a number of columns pointing to the fact that HD-DVD sales appear to have a significant lead in the market and calling HD-DVD the winner," Enderle exclaimed in October 2006 at the web site, Technology Pundits.
Best Waste of Everyone's Time
Goes to...Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer!
Once again, a top Microsoft executive (this time CEO Steve Ballmer; in previous years, it was Chairman Bill Gates) droned on and on in the pre-show keynote speech about how all screens (PCs, TVs, etc.) will converge as one. Microsoft officials have been giving this speech now for 15 years and convergence hasn't happened yet; few people are watching primetime TV shows on their handhelds and PCs or doing their PC tasks on TVs. But, for some reason (hmmm, money talks perhaps?), CES officials keep invited Microsoft back to bore everyone silly with this nonsense.
Best Waste of Technology
Goes to...OLED and LCD Makers
Okay, we have flat-panel LCD and Plasma sets that measure less than four inches deep. And many of us have mounted those sets on the wall. But some TV makers aren't satisfied; at CES, they introduced new OLED and LCD sets that measure less than one inch thick.
But why? Will it really look better on the wall if it measures less than one thin thick instead of three inches? If it's mounted on the wall, you probably won't even be able to tell the difference.
Dear God, some tech officials just have too much time on their hands.
Best Howard Hughes Impression
Goes to...DIRECTV!
For the second straight year, DIRECTV chose to effectively ignore CES -- no press conference; no major HD announcements; nothing. What are they trying to tell us about the conference?
Best Use of Irony In CES TV Show Title
Goes to...Jeopardy!
With attendees walking the halls muttering about this year's economic doldrums, Sony was broadcasting an actual TV show on the floor that carried an apt title for the times: Jeopardy!
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Shoplifters: Blu-ray Is a Winner
The high-cost of the high-def disc is attracting the criminal element.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2009) -- Either Blu-ray discs cost too much money or the high-def movie is becoming a hot item.
Why?
Police officials in several cities are now reporting that the Blu-ray disc has become one of the top items on the shopping list of thieves.
*The Southtown Star in Illinois reports that thieves recently took $778 worth of Blu-ray discs at a neighborhood Wal-Mart.
* A Lexington, North Carolina couple this month was arrested for trying to steal 21 Blu-ray movies.
* A ring of robbers recently swiped $900 worth of Blu-ray movies at a HMV store in Cambridge, Ontario.
* And the cops in Albuquerque, New Mexico say stealing Blu-ray discs has become one of the fastest growing shoplifting activities in the city.
The problem is getting so bad in Albuquerque that the police department says it's had to begin working with the loss prevention divisions at area stores that sell Blu-ray discs to prevent their theft, particularly by shoplifters.
The APD says it's arrested several Blu-ray shoplifters in the last month, according to KOAT.com, the web site for the city's ABC affiliate.
Many high-def enthusiasts often complain that the Blu-ray disc, which is often priced at $10-15 more than the DVD edition, is too costly. And apparently thieves are taking advantage of that sentiment by selling the discs for less than the retail price on the black market.
So long as people continue to believe that Blu-ray discs are too expensive, it appears that the criminal element will continue to steal them.
KOAT reports that one Albuquerque thief was a homeless man who admitted to taking more than a dozen Blu-ray discs because "he wanted money to eat."
But he's not the only homeless person with a preference for Blu-ray. The Kitsap (Wash.) Sun reports that a 19-year-old homeless man was arrested last week after he stole box sets of Blu-ray discs and then tried to sell them back to the store using an acquaintance.
"We have had to be a little more cautious with our (Blu-ray) product," admits Tommy Wong of Noble Collectibles, a New Mexico store that sells the high-def disc.
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News Analysis
Digital TV: Mr. Obama, You're a Little Late!
The President-elect should have spoken out on the Digital TV transition problem months ago.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2009) -- President-elect Barack Obama this week has joined the growing chorus of people who have concluded that the nation is not ready for next month's Digital TV transition.
In a letter to key lawmakers urging that the February 17 switch to digital be delayed, Obama's transition chief cited a litany of issues including the fact that federal funds for digital converter coupons have run out.
While Obama's transition team is correct to point out that the transition could force millions of people to lose their TV signals, the President-elect is woefully late to address this problem. By calling for a delay now, Obama is like the captain of the Titanic calling for his deck commander to make a left turn before hitting the iceberg.
But Mr. President-elect, where were you last year when some of these problems started to surface? Why didn't you speak out then when it could have had an impact on how government and industry officials handled the transition process?
Yes, I know you were busy, but don't tell me this issue wasn't important enough to address. It seems to be important enough now to call for a delay.
And don't tell me that you weren't aware of the problem -- because below is a commentary I wrote last June urging you to get involved:
Obama Is Fuzzy On Digital TV Switch
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee apparently has no clue that the transition is in trouble.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (June 17, 2008) -- Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, was asked this week by Broadcasting and Cable Magazine for his views on the nation's switch to Digital TV, scheduled on February 17, 2009.
His response: Nothing.
Well, okay, not literally nothing, but it might as well have been.
In an e-mail response to B&C, Obama jotted down the usual spin about the importance of educating consumers -- and ensuring that the neediest people get those $40 federal coupons that can be used to buy digital converter boxes.
(On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.)
"I am committed to working with the Senate and House Commerce Committees and the appropriate agencies to ensure that this transition happens without significant disruption and inconvenience," wrote Obama, or more likely, some Obama staffer.
Obama: Spin, but no substance, on Digital TV.
But in recent weeks, countless studies and numerous witnesses before congressional committees have testified that the transition is on wobbly ground. For instance:
* The government says it may run out money to mail converter box coupons to consumers who want them -- and it says it has no plans to request more money for that effort;
* Hundreds of thousands of converter coupons are scheduled to expire soon -- and the government currently has no plan to allow consumers to reapply for them;
* Consumers are having trouble finding the converters in stores with retailers adding that they have no idea when more converters will be available;
* Millions of consumers say they have no plans to prepare for the switch;
* Millions more who don't need to do anything for the switch are planning to get converter boxes anyway, leaving fewer available for those who do need them;
* Millions of homes may lose some local stations even if they get converter boxes, which will likely cause widespread anger and confusion.
And so on...and so on...
But in Obama's comments, the senator offers no indication that the Digital TV switch could become the technological equivalent of Katrina -- with millions of people losing their TV signals overnight. He also expresses no indication that the transition is even in trouble, despite the piling evidence.
The transition is now just seven months away, but the Illinois senator seems like he isn't even paying attention.
"The transition will continue to require public-private cooperation and targeted outreach to seniors and lower-income communities. We have made coupons available for converter boxes, and we need to ensure that the neediest individuals are receiving them," Obama stated.
Blah, blah, blah.
Before you accuse me of political bias, let me say that Sen. John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, is no better. The Arizona senator has issued the same robotic responses to questions about the transition, suggesting that consumer education is needed and the government must work with the private sector. (President Bush has also all but ignored the problem; the National Association of Broadcasters has even publicly urged the president to get more involved.)
But everyone knows that. What we don't know is what our so-called leaders are going to do about ensuring that this sinking ship is righted before it's too late. The transition is scheduled for February 17, 2009 -- less than one month after the next president takes office.
Whoever that might be, he better wake up and start paying attention to what could be the first major disaster in his administration.
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Dish Network Adds Sling to HD DVR
But the satcaster is mum on high-def plans.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2009) -- Dish Network yesterday unveiled the first HD DVR that's pre-loaded with SlingBox place-shifting features.
The set-top, model ViP 922, will permit viewers to send their programming from their homes to computers, smart phones and other devices.
"You can watch that same TV on your cell phone. You can watch that same TV on your personal player, and you can watch TV on a wireless basis. It’s a pretty incredible technology for somebody who wants to watch TV in someplace other than their living room. And most people do. It’s something that I want personally, because I travel a lot," Dish Network CEO Charlie Ergen said yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show, according to Multichannel News.
However, at this time, the Sling-equipped HD DVR, which will be leased to subscribers for $199, will not display high-def programming on the remote devices. Ergen said Sling's technology will change the resolution of the picture to fit the new device.
The satcaster also did not reveal any new High-Definition plans yesterday despite its failure to reach its 2008 goal of providing 150 HD channels. (Dish has more than 100 HD channels, but is far short of the 150 mark.)
SatelliteGuys.us has reported that Dish has named 14 HD channels it plans to add this year, but the satcaster did not reveal when the channels would be added.
Dish, which owns Sling Media, the maker of the SlingBox, said it hopes to sell the place-shifting HD DVR to cable operators.
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Consumer Union Urges Digital TV Delay
The group says the nation is not ready for next month's transition.
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2009) -- The Consumer Union, a non-profit advocacy group, is urging the federal government to postpone next month's Digital TV transition, saying the nation is not ready.
On February 17, 2009, full-powered local TV stations will switch their signals from analog to digital, meaning viewers will need to get a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV service to keep watching television.
However, the Consumers Union, which also publishes the magazine Consumer Reports, yesterday issued letters to President Bush, President-elect Barack Obama and key congressional lawmakers calling for the transition date to be pushed back.
The organization noted that the government has run out of funds for converter boxes which many low-income residents are expected to need to continue watching TV when the transition occurs.
By law, every American is eligible to receive two $40 coupons for converter boxes, but federal officials this week said they are out of funds and will have to start putting people on a waiting list. Without the coupons, consumers would have to purchase the converters with 100 percent of their own money; converters cost between $40 and $75.
The Consumer Union also cited other problems with the transition, but the converter issue is paramount, the group said.
“Millions of consumers could now be forced to spend their own money to navigate this federally mandated transition,” the group said in its letter. “This economic climate is not the right time to ask consumers to dig deeper into their own pockets to pay for the miscalculation by the federal government.”
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