[bete_noir]

Went to my local Future Shop store to ogle the big-screen TVs....(that LG 60 inch plasma looks pretty nice) and what did I see below the HD gear? This sign, which I consider misleading to say the least:

"Three things you need to receive HDTV:

1) HDTV ( I assume they mean the monitor)

2) HD Satellite or Cable box

3) HD Programming"



Not a word about the *FREE* OTA digital content available to anyone with an ATSC tuner and a decent antenna....(none of which they seem to carry, of course....)



It makes me wonder how much of a kickback FS/BB is receiving from Shaw/Rogers/ExpressVu and Starchoice.....????



Just my $0.02.....

 

[lajohn27]

Kickback.. PFFT.. YOU BET.

They get a rate for every new subscriber they activate. That's a kickback alright. Something on the order of 75 -100$ (or beyond) depending on who you sign up to, on what package and for how long.

 

[ken0042]

I suppose there is the flip side; they could have a listing of all the options available, which to the average user may confuse more than educate.

For many people using a cable box is still outside of the norm. And for others a 20" satellite dish is far to much of an eyesore.

I agree that FS looked at the best way for them to make money. However keeping it as easy as 1-2-3 means more people going HD. And the more people that go HD, the more programming the rest of us will get in return.

 

[bete_noir]

I dunno.....they're in business to make money, but they are bending the truth in this case. The best digital picture (and sound) I'm getting is coming right off an antenna; crystal clear, HD, and no monthly fees.

They're just exploiting the customer's ignorance... when they sell a PC, do they tell everyone the only way to access the internet is with Rogers or Sympatico high-speed.....??

 

[ken0042]

Interesting analogy. I would venture to guess that a place like FS would only offer one of those 2 high speed choices. At that point a sign saying "everything you need to get online; PC, cable modem, and service from Rogers"; would that sign be misleading? Or should they mention every other high speed option?

 

[57]

Well, HDTV, the number one item could mean one with an ATSC tuner, since the other kind are called monitors... Although I guess then they should add "antenna"...

This practice simply reflects the fact that very few people get their TV OTA and even those with OTA, often also subscribe to Cable or SAT to get the specialty channels.

We've gone 'round & 'round this in several OTA threads already.

 

[bete_noir]

I know it's only FS we're talking about here, but accurate and *complete* information for the consumer is never out of fashion.

Maybe HDTV would have more than 5% market penetration if big time retailers like FS and BB would inform the customer they don't need to pay $60 a month to get some HD content...lotsa people just wanna watch CSI Miami in HD, fer pete's sake.....

 

[Arthur Dent]

I wouldn't expect them to print different materials for different regions in Canada. They would be in more trouble if they list "free" OTA as one of the HDTV options, because there is no such thing almost anywhere west of Ontario. The three things they list are absolutely valid here in Calgary, for example. They do not mislead at all. Some time in a few years, after CBC starts digital transmission in all markets, the text will have to be changed. I wouldn't hold my breath, though - the national public broadcaster still cannot find money to upgrade their Calgary transmitter to stereo, let alone add digital

 

[bete_noir]

What about Vancouver or Victoria...? They're somewhat to the left, er...west of you.....

 

[57]

..FS and BB would inform the customer they don't need to pay $60 a month to get some HD content...lotsa people just wanna watch CSI Miami in HD, fer pete's sake.....

If that's all you want, buy an SA3250HD for $300 and you're set to go. NO additional charges from Rogers (beyond basic). On top of that, you can get a number of additional digital "free" stations".

See the Digital Home FAQ "Rogers HD Offering" which shows the no charge HD channels. (I count around 20)

Most people these days have an internet connection with some service provider. By adding a little TV, the charges go up only a bit... If you've got a cell-phone, the TV is almost free...

Put that in your ATSC tuner and smoke it.

 

[bete_noir]

Smoke it...? Well, I'd burn my ATSC tuner before I paid a penny to Robbers Cable.....(heh-heh!)

 

[stampeder]

This thread reminds me of something I saw on the StarChoice satellite web site awhile back referring to OTA as "old fashioned"... hee hee I guess its old fashioned to want the best quality picture and sound and not have to pay for it.

In one of the other threads at DHC someone was told by a Sony Store salesman that a certain tv had an OTA antenna built into it along with the tuner. Bzzztttttt...... nope.

Arthur Dent: does BC mean Beyond Calgary? We've had DTV OTA since last year, and more stations coming up soon. Well okay, you said "almost" but rather than think of geography, think of demography and you'll note that the majority of Canadians now have access to DTV OTA.

 

[dsspredator]

FS in St Catharines had an antenna hooked up to a big JVC Dlia.

 

[HDTV101]

When they sell you an ExpressVu system and you signup and pay your monthly bill the store (Dealer) gets a cut every month from your payment. As long as you remain a paying customer of ExpressVu that store remains your Dealer on Bell's books and they get month for nothing, so now why would they want to tell you about OTA?

 

[vipros]

misleading their customers ? I don't think so, three reasons:

- most of those sales never heard of OTA.
- no one says anthing about antenna receipiton today, even for regular channels. In old days, all TVs came with a default set of antenna. Now by default even TV manufacturies think the consumers will use cable.
- antenna receiptions prove to have problems, low qualilty, or not available to general public.

 

[Arthur Dent]

Well okay, you said "almost" but rather than think of geography, think of demography and you'll note that the majority of Canadians now have access to DTV OTA.

I don't think the majority has access to OTA DTV. Those who do have it have it more as an exception, not as a rule. Currently, in Canada there are a total of 3 official channels having a total of 6 or so DTV transmitters in 4 cities - Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa. They surely don't cover the "majority of Canadians". With CRTC's policy (rather lack of such) the majority of Canadians will not have OTA DTV for many more years to come.
Hey, there even are a few free DAB radio stations in Toronto and lots of people in the border regions can receive US HD-Radio stations. Do you feel that FutureShop is misleading their customers by not offering DAB and HD-Radio receivers at all and pushing satellite radio instead?

 

[57]

Suggest people check out the following thread regarding OTA, what's available, costs, etc.

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32200

 

[stampeder]

- antenna receiptions prove to have problems, low qualilty, or not available to general public.

There might be some problems during bad weather once or twice a year, but you are incorrect on the other 2 points.

vipros, I invite you to get up to date on how things really are with OTA DTV in Canada, especially with the ATSC standard:

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/forum/showpost.php?p=210931&postcount=1

 

[stampeder]

I don't think the majority has access to OTA DTV.

You've forgotten about the wealth of U.S. stations that are available. I invite you to read through the GTA, Quebec, and BC threads in the OTA Forum to see that the great majority of Canadians either now have access to the best in DTV or soon will.

 

[stampeder]

Suggest people check out the following thread regarding OTA, what's available, costs, etc.

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32200

...and of course check out the whole OTA Forum for more detailed info on those points.