Maybe Murdoch will realize he can't have it his way, and leave the industry. Otherwise, US consumers will get locked into limited competition and higher rates, indefinitely. Eventually, D*'s take-it-or-leave-it will cut into existing its subscriber base. I don't think new people will come on board satellite if they don't trust the cost/value equation. Consumers relying on D* for its HD offerings simply lose out when all the costs are added up. Surprising from a business perspective that D* doesn't want to make concessions with other providers. It would seem as if D*'s satellite capacity--and thus content capacity--are quite limited. If I were them, I'd be scrambling to get everything up, leasing space if need be. Even so, they are making precarious assumptions down here on Earth. Why would people be so esconced with D* as to ignore HD options available via cable or OTA? And what does the speed of the satellite-borne HD rollout matter if you can pick it up OTA? People aren't such idiots as to limit their buying choices to what D* offers. D* isn't the only choice. Besides, they aren't providing content, they're only delivering it (and they don't have a monopoly like the post office.) While no one else may match them in satellites, they're foolish to assume they can do what they want and compete long-term. There will be other satellite or cable companies coming out, who will be able to catch up quite easily, essentially by providing more content at lower prices. No one can control the airwaves. (Though many companies have tried through limiting competition by government regulation.) It takes Howard Hughes-type vision to deliver HD content to the masses, and that means willingness to risk real money for the sake of greater glory. (That's not there in Rupert--and thus the tentativeness amongst consumers about cost/value--who can sense the fact D* wants to avoid risking too much and is thus giving too little for too much. Americans want a Hughes who they can support, who gives real value and quality, and even if one plan fails, reaching for a dream with reckless abandon made him a true American hero...)
