Rogers removing 12 PPV channels - May 1

[travisc]

Received notice on Monday that Rogers is removing 12 PPV services on May 1st, leaving them with 12 SD and 2 HD PPV services. Explanation: To provide additional capacity for HD and SD services.

[hugh]

I assume these are digital and not analog channels.

In the days of PVR and Video-on-demand, PPV seems to be a waste of bandwidth. (now if this is analog channels then its a very interesting switch)

[homer_j]

Hugh,
I thought PPV were only digital for several years now.
Why do you think PPV were analog?

[hugh]

Why do you think PPV were analog?

I didn't. I assumed they were all digital hence my comment but I left myself wiggle room in case there was still some analog PPV channels!

(a check of Rogers site and all were digital channels)

[MCIBUS]

This is interesting? I wonder if this will mean we might finally get
RDS HD
APTN HD
That disney one
cosmoplotian
Penthouse OD(as stated on their web site
Nasa TV(I hope, but dought it)
Wild TV*the real channel not VODD), but I dought it.
RSN HD2
CBC HD west
CTV HD west
Global HD west
and a few others?

[scrooloose]

I thought Rogers had loads of capacity. Why would they need to remove channels to make room for others?

-Mike

[travisc]

Well, my theory, which I stated in another thread, is that they DON'T have loads of capacity. That's why channels like MCIBUS listed haven't launched yet, for no apparent reason. Even with an 860 MHz network, Rogers has to be getting close to capacity. That's why they'll deploy switched digital video sooner rather than later. Unless I'm completely wrong, in which case I have no idea what the heck they're doing.

[hugh]

I would agree with TravisC.

If Rogers could dump analog, then they would have a lot of capacity.

[scrooloose]

Thanks, I misunderstood.

-Mike

[polaris]

Also, no Speed HD as of yet I think points to a capacity issue perhaps.

[hugh]

In the case of Speed HD, it may just be a dollar and sense issue. I mean is adding Speed HD really going to bring in much cash?

[polaris]

Probably not but Im thinking they would like to carry it given they have a nascar package in their sports lineup.

I dont want the channel myself, I only watch F1 practice on the channel and the qualifying and races on TSN.

[MCIBUS]

Well there's away they can get rid of anolog cable.

In the US anolg signals are to be droped, Grant you thise is for OTA.

Now it might cost Rogers in the begining but in the long run they;'ll winn.

Simply give every sub a basic receiver for onre tv and any additional receiver just charge $2/receiver(basic)

Just look at BEV's rental program.

True this might cost Rogers up front but this way =every sub wil be digital and can upgrade their packages easily, as well this will free up bandwidth.

[d2e8b8]

Aren't analog only customers able to connect as many tv's as they like to their service? And don't they send folks out to look for such connections?

So going digital would not only bring in more revenue for Rogers (extra box rentals for all those TV's that today are connected for free) but also cost savings by eliminating the inspectors checking these things.

[Leaf Fan]

I think most cable co's will allow up to 4 outlets
The guys travelling around are more than likely looking for signal leakage from poorly terminated cables, and cheap amplifiers that customers have done themselves, rather than catching outlet thiefs (although I'm sure that is an added bonus stopping leakage, and theft)
Worst case scenario, this leakage can cause interference to air traffic control equipment