Cable and satellite operators (and the telcos) say they need more high-def channels to fill out their lineups.
So, what's the problem? Why aren't they carrying Voom? And, why did Dish Network just drop Voom's entire 15-channel suite from its lineup, replacing it with several 'HD channels" that actually broadcast very little in high-def.
The answer: Money and politics. (Surprised?)
Voom's 15 channels, which includes such niche networks as Equator HD (nature shows); HD News; Rave (music) and Treasure HD (antiques), airs more real high-def than most of the so-called HD simulcast channels that have launched in recent months.
For instance, other than the network's Sunday afternoon baseball game, TBS HD's lineup consists largely of standard-def programs 'upconverted' to fit the high-def widescreen. (This is mocked in some circles as 'Stretch-o-Vision').
Voom's channels, which include both original and repeat programming, offers very little upconverting; a high-def show is usually the real deal -- and broadcast in 1080i.
So, why would Dish, and other TV providers, carry TBS and not Voom?
Three Reasons:
1. Politics
TBS is owned by Turner Broadcasting, which also owns TNT, CNN, the Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies. These are highly rated, basic-cable networks -- and a must-carry for any TV operator. Turner knows this so when it negotiates a carriage deal with a TV provider, it usually can mandate that it carry the company's entire programming suite. That gives TBS HD a tremendous edge over Voom.
And this is not to harp on Turner and TBS. NBC Universal, which owns NBC, CNBC, Universal HD, MSNBC, etc., uses the same leverage to get carriage for its entire programming lineup.
At this time, Voom is relatively unknown and, consequently, does not generate as much interest in the TV audience. It's easier for a TV provider to say yes to Turner and no to Voom.
2. Money
Because Voom is a small unit, the company must sell all 15 channels as a programming block, rather than offering each niche channel individually. This requires a TV provider to pay more in carriage fees if it wants to add Voom's suite to its lineup. So it's easier -- and cheaper -- for the TV provider to simply go with the established channels from companies such as Turner and NBC.
3. Bandwidth
While cable and satellite operators are rapidly expanding their high-def capacities, many still lack the system space to add 15 HD channels all at once. Even if Voom was owned by a powerhouse such as Turner, it would have difficulty getting 15 channels on the air at the same time.
Bleak Fate?
Voom now has only one carrier left: Cablevision; and that deal is scheduled to expire next month. Unless Voom reworks its marketing -- and carriage strategy -- it's hard to see how it can survive much longer.
Comment on this article!
_______________________________________________________
Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.
© TVPredictions.com
______________________________________________________
Phillip Swann is
president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in
dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox
News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The
Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The
Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
Click TVPredictions.com to read more news and features on TV
technology.