Canada's OTA Broadcasters Not Touting DTV!

[Dave Loudin]

the US federal government did launch an extensive campaign as well.

Indeed, but I have two observations that appear to happening with your transition.

First, the campaign did not start soon enough and did not stress that DTV was already available. The focus turned to getting a box by the deadline. This gave the cable/DBS providers the opening to tell folks just to plug in to them and forget. I firmly believe that had more people sampled in the years of parallel broadcasting, then OTA would be in far better shape.

Second, the campaign was not technically focussed. A steady drumbeat of 1-2-3-4 steps dealing only with getting DTV OTA was what was needed. To me, too much was prefaced with "If you have cable, then..." in order to not appear to be trying to put cable out of business.

[Jase88]

Dave, I'm confused: Are your comments in reference to the US public awareness campaign? You mention "your transition", which I presume you mean to infer the Canadian transition. And, AFAIK, there is no advertising campaign currently under way in Canada advising of the DTV transition.

During the US campaign, I do indeed recall comments that cable customers are not impacted by the DTV transition. My interpretation was that this was simply to reassure cable subscribers that it doesn't impact them--and thus no need to adjust their equipment or purchase new equipment. I certainly didn't see this as a sales ploy for cable TV.

[Emerald_Boar]

Just a hunch, Emerald_Boar? 'Cause I certainly haven't seen anything
to indicate our government will be doing so.

Yes, I guess it would be a hunch.

Last year there wasnt a HST in Ontario. But when they beep us with it. They send out 3 cheques over the course of the year.

So I am kinda expecting another random cheque. Whether its for DTV or something that is the question.

Read ya l8r,
Al