Sick of DTV and WTNH in Hartford,CT

**JonUrban** · 01-07-2008 02:02 PM

I am shocked that I reveived a reply from LIN/WTNH. I'm sure it's a form letter, but there's legal crap at the bottom that states I cannot "share" it with you.

Mostly it says the they've spent big bucks updating their equipment, and feel that their product is worth what they are asking for it. They complain that they give the carriers their signal, and they in turn charge end users big bucks for it and they're not going to do that anymore.

They also say they are working real hard to get deals done. Go figure.

**rad** · 01-07-2008 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by JonUrban

I am shocked that I reveived a reply from LIN/WTNH. I'm sure it's a form letter, but there's legal crap at the bottom that states I cannot "share" it with you.

Mostly it says the they've spent big bucks updating their equipment, and feel that their product is worth what they are asking for it. They complain that they give the carriers their signal, and they in turn charge end users big bucks for it and they're not going to do that anymore.

They also say they are working real hard to get deals done. Go figure.

Heard that line from LIN about Austin also. They have some of the worst looking upconvert SD in town but they could find dollars to remodel the news set.

**Silvia2112** · 01-07-2008 02:56 PM

I got the same letter from WTNH and LIN. The funny thing is that it was word for word the same - just signed by different person at respective company

**agregjones** · 01-07-2008 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by Silvia2112

Let's not direct all the blame away from DTV. If they really wanted to get a deal done - it would be completed by now. LIN of course is asking more then probably deserve - but DTV should be able to bargain with them. Comcast has ABC-HD available. You can't tell me that Comcast is overpaying. Comcast is just as cheap (if not more) then DTV. A deal is not done because both parties are not trying enough. Very annoying.

Your point might be valid with a local cable company. They would have to deal with only a few stations in a market. If DIRECTV accepts these unreasonable terms, they will have to do it across the country in a lot of markets. Do you want to increase everyone's bill so that your local station can be unreasonable?

I live in a market where there is zero HD LIL. I believe I have more of a grievance.

**Silvia2112** · 01-07-2008 04:32 PM

How do we know the terms are unreasonable? Anyone have any proof of this? I don't know who is at fault. Like a divorce - there are two sides to the story. I agree LIN sucks donkey balls - but how is they can get terms with Comcast/Cox in New England.

**raoul5788** · 01-07-2008 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Silvia2112

How do we know the terms are unreasonable? Anyone have any proof of this? I don't know who is at fault. Like a divorce - there are two sides to the story. I agree LIN sucks donkey balls - but how is they can get terms with Comcast/Cox in New England.

It's pretty simple. Empirical evidence. LIN stations in hd are on Comcast, Cox, and a very few other cable companies. They are no where else except ota, not Directv nor Dish. CLEARLY they are not bargaining in good faith for carriage rights. You can believe what you want to, that's fine, but don't ignore the obvious please.

**Silvia2112** · 01-07-2008 09:25 PM

Working for a multi-billion dollar company - I can say with all certainty that empirical evidence means absolutely nothing in the business world. Just because they appear to be not practicing fairly with the satellite companies doesn't place all blame on there side. There is something that both sides are not telling their customers. LIN blames DTV/DISH while the satellite companies blame LIN. Who do you believe? LIN has contracts with many other companies. DTV has contracts with many companies. There is some disconnect between the two. LIN states they want more for there services (which other companies seem willing to pay) while DTV states they want to pay fair market value (which other companies agree to). I just stated above that I would like to know what is on the table. Is LIN being greedy? Are they taking payouts from the cable companies to lock out DTV? DTV has more then LIN to worry about. As another poster stated - he doesn't even have locals. What does that say about DTV? In simple terms - something is not right on both sides.

**CKNA** · 01-08-2008 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Silvia2112

How do we know the terms are unreasonable? Anyone have any proof of this? I don't know who is at fault. Like a divorce - there are two sides to the story. I agree LIN sucks donkey balls - but how is they can get terms with Comcast/Cox in New England.

LIN stations came to Cox only 6 months ago. Cox negotiated with them for 7 years.

**CKNA** · 01-08-2008 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by rad

Heard that line from LIN about Austin also. They have some of the worst looking upconvert SD in town but they could find dollars to remodel the news set.

Lin are such liars. Spen big bucks on equipment, please. WTNH does not even show Jeopardy or Wheel of fortune, because they won't spend money to get HD recording/playback equipment.

**jpn** · 01-08-2008 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by cj42

First off I already new the answer why I haven't received it. I venting at the point that directv told me I was getting it which was complete BS.

Calling it BS is harsh. The only leverage remaining to D* is that consumers like you make waiver-requests; that those requests are denied; and that you complain to your senator, the FCC, and the Justice Dept. The only hope D* and you have, is to get government intervention.

If that doesn't work try Prozac. Oh yeah, you can switch to E* and see how far that gets you.