Hi Bill, regarding the system I've no serious complaints thus far,
The installation went very smoothly (plus I think they're doing free
installs now as a temporary promo), more channels than the local
cable network at lower cost, better picture and sound than cable,
pay-per-view movies are cheaper than renting a video, etc.
One small complaint is that they don't show local affiliates of the
networks, but I don't think much can be done about this.
The signal is continentwide and they can't partition it based on
metropolitan area. (Or you may view this as a plus. For example
if you live on the west coast and get east coast affiliates, you
see shows three hours before most other people, get to see Letterman
while eating dinner, etc.)
My only other concern is that the DBS systems may be left behind
in the trend towards convergence between cable and interactive media.
For example, while @Home is offering cable Internet access, and
Wink Communications is offering interactive subchannels, there's
nothing like this yet for DBS.
Of course all of the above is true for all the DBS systems. I don't
know much about the pros and cons between DBS systems.
Really the only reason I chose Echostar over other systems
is because they carry WGN, a Chicago independent station
that shows a lot of Bulls games. :-)
As an investment, I'm still interested in DISH but am a little worried
in the short term. Yes the DBS market has a lot of potential but
is anybody actually making money in it yet? Meanwhile Echostar is
continuing capital investment (putting a new bird in the sky next
month, hiring tons and tons of marketing people), while they're
hemorrhaging cash faster than the O.J.Simpson estate. And have you
looked at their balance sheet lately? They've a LOT of long-term
debt, with very little in equity.
Still, there is a lot of potential here longer term, as long as
management stays under control, continue to provide good services,
and stick to their aggressive marketing plan.
I've bought a few shares already, but am not looking to invest more
until it becomes more clear whether all this borrowing and spending
will actually translate to black numbers on the bottom line.
Just IMHO, good luck to you in your purchase,
DOM |
