Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : LAST MILE TECHNOLOGIES - Let's Discuss Them Here -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: MikeM54321 who wrote (7422)	6/26/2000 3:14:00 PM
From: lml	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 12823

Hi Mike: You just caught me "out the door." So, correct me if I am wrong, but when an MSO upgrades from analog to digital, they are only utilizing part of the available bandwidth over the coax pipe. IOW, they're still broadcasting analog signals to subscribers who do not wish to spend the extra bucks for digital, and broadcasting on a completely different set of frequency to those subscribers who opt for DVB? The conclusion you come to regarding a fully HDTV network vis-a-vis today's analog capabilities is the same one I came to, & that is - its "physically possible" pipe-wise, but it just ain't gonna happen because of more important concerns . . . . like economics. We all know the MSOs are under tremendous pressure to offer the breadth of channel offerings from the likes of DirecTV, not to mention digital picture quality. BTW, I ran down to Best Buy yesterday afternoon thinking I could pick up a couple of those Siemens 2.4GHz phones with a sale going on. No luck, but the first thing I noticed were the crowds around the DirecTV counter. It appeared that DirecTV systems were flying out the door. As I may have mentioned here & elsewhere, the local MSO here in LA (Adelphia) has its work cut out as it has been appalling remiss is deferring upgrading its plant; its just starting now on LA's Westside. The DBS providers have been having a field day. It is cheaper than ever to install a satellite system; the monthly rate is about 30% rate; the picture quality is light year ahead of what the MSO offers; & the channel selection is unparalleled to what cable offers. In sum, your assessment is correct, as it is inconceiveable at this point in time to expect the MSOs to make a move to HDTV with any conviction for some time to come. This is where I believe the satellites will achieve another leg up on the MSOs over the next few years. Gotta go. Ciao