What do you guys think about Direct HD Expansion

[rad]

I agree that it would be great if they would eliminate a few of them to add some other channels, but I have to think they wouldnt have them up if they werent making something off of them (at least until they get ready to add something else)

That's the rub, if they add a national HD channel and remove a PPV they'd need to sign up X number of new HD customers to offset the revenue from the PPV removed. So the question is how much would the loose/gain removing one PPV 'multiplex' vs. adding The Travel Channel or WGN America for example? I see tons of folks asking for more national HD channels but I've yet to see someone saying we need more HD PPV's. Without having the inside scoop on the $'s we don't know, but if I had to guess they'd see a lot more revenue from new HD customers then what they'd loose from one or two less HD PPV channels.

 

[TomCat4680]

That's the rub, if they add a national HD channel and remove a PPV they'd need to sign up X number of new HD customers to offset the revenue from the PPV removed. So the question is how much would the loose/gain removing one PPV 'multiplex' vs. adding The Travel Channel or WGN America for example? I see tons of folks asking for more national HD channels but I've yet to see someone saying we need more HD PPV's. Without having the inside scoop on the $'s we don't know, but if I had to guess they'd see a lot more revenue from new HD customers then what they'd loose from one or two less HD PPV channels.

exactly, no one has ever said "I want more PPV channels".

Comcast is even smart enough to realize that PPV channels are a waste of bandwidth.

 

[rad]

exactly, no one has ever said "I want more PPV channels".

Comcast is even smart enough to realize that PPV channels are a waste of bandwidth.

Comcast can eliminate the dedicated PPV channels since they can use SDV to handle the PPV on demand, DirecTV doesn't have that option, they're stuck with either the decicated channels or pushing the content out to their space on the DVR's. Maybe one day when they get MRV released and allow for viewing of the pushed content via MRV they can cut back the dedicated channels but looks like the bean counters are winning the HD PPV battle at the moment.

 

[TomCat4680]

whats MRV?

 

[rad]

whats MRV?

Multi Room Viewing, allows viewing of recorded content from a HD DVR via ethernet (wired/wireless/powerline) connection to a HD STB (in it's current implementedion, HD DVR -> HD DVR rumored to come also). Check out the Cutting Edge section for more info.

 

[TomCat4680]

Well, there are 26 HBO/MAX HD channels, and I think DirecTV has only 3 or 4 of them. There are more Showtime and Starz channels too, to a smaller extent. There are all the Rainbow channels (We, AMC, Fuse, IFC, and I think G4). There are lots of locals in lots of smaller markets.

There are actually tons of channels that every provider, even FIOS, doesn't carry.

Here is a pretty good chart....
Official AVS National HD Channel Lineups - Cable/DBS/Fiber/IPTV - Updated 2/23/09! - AVS Forum

removed unreferenced original research (oops there goes my wikipediaholism)

 

[skottey]

Too much PPV... free up space DTV

Well tom, not everyone is set up to be able to use on demand. Do not forget that although it is much better than it used to be, there are still alot of people who do not have broadband internet access. Of those that do, there are many that are not networked to be able to use VOD.
However, EVERYONE that has sat service with D* can use PPV.

Do you think that more or less than 50% of subscribers actually order PPV? I never order PPV. The only time I ever have was years ago when I got free vouchers for a few movies with Paragon or Time Warner cable and they were a pain to redeem.

I am by no means a cheapskate either. I have well over 600 DVDs, over 100 bluray or HD-DVDs, subscribe to both FIOS Extreme HD with all the movie channels (most in HD) and have two HD-DVRs. I also subscribe to DirecTV with two HD-DVRs. I am a movie nut, but I NEVER ORDER PPV.

I know a few people that order PPV all the time. They don't buy DVDs or go to the movies. They don't rent, have Netflix, or carry the premiums. They just order a ton of PPV when they feel like watching a movie and have high bills. But these people are few and far between.

I'll bet you less then 10% of subscribers order 95% of the PPV. That is my pie in the sky guess but I bet I am not far off.

Tom is right, they do not need to have 75 PPVs in HD. They should have maybe five at the MOST until they have more capacity and have most of the other available channels out there.

Aren't you just a little upset about the HBO lie? DirecTV in June of 2007 had a press release about adding like 13 of the 26 HBO/MAX HD channels in fall of 2007 and they never did. I see some people angry about it. I stopped complaining about it only because I signed up for FIOS and carry all my premiums with them now (all HBO/MAX in HD, all 26). I just have Choice Extra HD with DirecTV. If FIOS wasnt an option, I would be totally ANGRY if I was still waiting for those premium channels.

DirecTV can MAKE the capacity by getting rid of the PPV. I understand it is all about the money, but I'll bet you they would pick up subscribers if they would carry more premiums in HD.

PPV sucks and is designed for the impulse viewer. I plan my viewing, recording my shows and movies and watching them on my schedule. I don't just sit down and watch whatever I find entertaining, even if it costs money as a PPV.

My brother is impulsive like that. He'll buy Xbox Live episodes of shows that with a little planning, he could have seen for free on cable or network TV. But he, like the PPV crowd, are the minority.

It is time for DTV to take down the PPV overload and add channels like Travel Channel HD and AMC HD.

 

[TomCat4680]

Multi Room Viewing, allows viewing of recorded content from a HD DVR via ethernet (wired/wireless/powerline) connection to a HD STB (in it's current implementedion, HD DVR -> HD DVR rumored to come also). Check out the Cutting Edge section for more info.

well i only got 1 TV and no plans to ever get another so that won't effect me at all.

I'm sick of all of these useless inventions. give me more HD channels!

 

[Ronnie-]

That's the rub, if they add a national HD channel and remove a PPV they'd need to sign up X number of new HD customers to offset the revenue from the PPV removed. So the question is how much would the loose/gain removing one PPV 'multiplex' vs. adding The Travel Channel or WGN America for example? I see tons of folks asking for more national HD channels but I've yet to see someone saying we need more HD PPV's. Without having the inside scoop on the $'s we don't know, but if I had to guess they'd see a lot more revenue from new HD customers then what they'd loose from one or two less HD PPV channels.

I am not saying I disagree. From what most of us have heard, that is kind of the plan. Take a few off and add the new nationals.

 

[Ronnie-]

For the record, I do not use PPV. I am simply giving my own personal take on the subject. I can understand why they are up, even If I agree that they do not need that many (even though the number is less than you guys are saying if I am not mistaken).

 

[rad]

Do you think that more or less than 50% of subscribers actually order PPV? I never order PPV.

I can't remember the last time I did order a PPV. Back when they were $3.99 maybe but at $5.99 for a HD PPV two of those cost more then my NetFlix 1 at a time/unlimited plan with BD addon.

 

[skottey]

A few of us old people as you call us do in fact have HDTV in fact I have three in my home. Most movies on TCM are older than I am and yes I am 65+. Thank You !

Kudos to you.... read my other post. There is a lot of confusion about HDTV and proper hookups and I think if we could set people straight, more people would enjoy HDTV and we might just get our TCM HD.

 

[TomCat4680]

I'm REALLY mad about the HBO/Max lie. Why are there 5+ HD channels in Showtime and Starz packs but only 2 each in HBO / Max? and why dont they just bundle HBO and Max into 1 package instead of 2 separate ones? and where the f*** are HBO and Max on demand?

 

[Rey]

I can't remember the last time I did order a PPV. Back when they were $3.99 maybe but at $5.99 for a HD PPV two of those cost more then my NetFlix 1 at a time/unlimited plan with BD addon.

the last time i ordered PPV movie was back when it was 2.99. it's been awhile. no 24 hr restrictions either. i also have the same plan with netflix

 

[TomCat4680]

I barely ever watch my series or movies when they're on. The only thing I watch live is news and some sports. I couldn't live without my DVR. I don't understand the point of Blu Ray when theres all the HD movies you can get on premiums. I don't got all the money to buy the discs so that's why I love premiums, one fee, hundreds of movies per month. price wise its the smartest choice for anyone IMO.

 

[Rey]

I barely ever watch my series or movies when they're on. The only thing I watch live is news and some sports. I couldn't live without my DVR. I don't understand the point of Blu Ray when theres all the HD movies you can get on premiums. I don't got all the money to buy the discs so that's why I love premiums, one fee, hundreds of movies per month. price wise its the smartest choice for anyone IMO.

I would really have to love a movie in BluRay to buy it. Mostly I just rent them with Netflix. Depending how large your set is, you can see the difference between an HD premium channel and Bluray. Don't get me wrong Tom, some of these HD premiums on Directv have an excellent HD pic!! Same here with the DVR, couldn't be without it.

 

[skottey]

I accept your nomination as an Ind candidate for prez

Skottey for President!

I certainly couldn't do any worse than the current administration, Jimmy Carter Redux.

I'd be Ronald Reagan with defense and the economy, and say bye-bye to the endless war on drugs. I'd legalize prostitution and tax it to kingdom come. I'd legalize and tax Marijuana, which would unfortunately raise the prices for any of us that partake but would make the procurement of the product and the actual product safer. I'd roll back the tobacco taxes even though I don't smoke. I'd roll back the alcohol tax. I'd roll back the gas tax. I'd encourage green living in a practical manner, without shoving it down everyone's throat. You want me to have a solar panel or windmill, I am all for it if it is affordable. But I cannot afford a $30K solar panel to provide electricity to my house and eliminate my electric bill.

I would require that fiber optics be run to every house and business in America, but you'd still have to pay for it. I'm not running a welfare state. No health care records online until it is 100% secure, which it isn't and won't be for a very long time. No national health care. Affirmative action would be based on needs (income level), not skin color. I would require all cable channels broadcast in HD, no exceptions. The required cable or satellite box would be required to downconvert to SD the HD feed for people that don't yet have HDTVs.

And last, but certainly not least, I would require a poster size picture of yours truly, King Skottey the First, in every private home, business, or public building. Timer lights would shine on my face a minimum of 12 hours a day. This would all be done Saddam style, just for the hell of it.

I love it.... great idea.

 

[TomCat4680]

I would require all cable channels broadcast in HD, no exceptions.

Got my vote. Can I be head of the FCC? or are you just going to abolish all censorship laws too?

 

[rad]

I barely ever watch my series or movies when they're on. The only thing I watch live is news and some sports. I couldn't live without my DVR. I don't understand the point of Blu Ray when theres all the HD movies you can get on premiums. I don't got all the money to buy the discs so that's why I love premiums, one fee, hundreds of movies per month. price wise its the smartest choice for anyone IMO.

Problem is that there's not one premium that shows all the movies from all the different studios. Plus the picture/audio quality on BD is better then on the premium channels.

 

[TomCat4680]

Problem is that there's not one premium that shows all the movies from all the different studios. Plus the picture/audio quality on BD is better then on the premium channels.

thats why I have them ALL!