Thread: Bell proposes new "freesat" service

Not quite "FTA", but close enough that I'm posting this in the Free-To-Air section.



Bell proposes new "freesat" service as part of innovative public policy solutions to benefit Canadian consumers and broadcasting industry

Quoting the press release ->

OTTAWA, April 29 2009 -- Bell today proposed a series of
innovative public policy and regulatory recommendations designed to address
financial challenges facing the broadcasting industry, including a proposal to
provide Canadians who currently rely on analog over-the-air television with a
package of local and regionally relevant over-the-air television channels free
of charge as part of the transition to digital broadcasting.

Technically speaking - It appears to me that Bell would simply activate a very tiny package for the viewers.. I don't think that they would leave any channels unencrypted so that regular FTA sets could pick them up - but it would really be nice if they did!

It will be neat to see how this whole 'freesat' deal plays out. I could imagine that there would be a fair number of grey-market 'freesat' customers in the USA who would be getting freesat systems to watch the hockey on CBC

Interesting if it does go that route. Wonder if it would be Conus or not.

Very cool!! Let's hope they will broadcasts, in the clear and the footprint's signal goes far south as here in New Mexico.....

Haven't seen CBC in a long time since the late 80's, with a good old 10 foot C-band dish!!

I am sure it will be on KU band bird, which one it will be on?

I guess we will have to keep eye for any new updates news......

Originally Posted by N5XZS

I am sure it will be on KU band bird, which one it will be on?

Most likely from their 91w/82w orbital locations and having a dedicated transponder unencrypted.

Nice catch. Reading between the lines 5 channels sounds like a channel for Pacific, Mountain, Central, East etc. Then you don't have the expense of registering users and dedicating programming on a user basis. Local programming indicates no hockey which would be the kind of broadcasting they would expect to generate revenue, and is probably (in my view) not the kind of programming a generic CBC channel should be carrying anyway. Sounds more like news and current affairs, with room for stuff about Canada which I have thought for years was missing.

It looks like a very good move.

Originally Posted by Davage

Technically speaking - It appears to me that Bell would simply activate a very tiny package for the viewers.. I don't think that they would leave any channels unencrypted so that regular FTA sets could pick them up - but it would really be nice if they did!

That would be great if they run ZK. It has been years since I saw Canadian tv. I do miss the days of Anik C band ITC.

Always wondered why Americans want to watch Canadian tv and Canadians want to watch U.S. tv?

Wonder if possibly Direct or Dish here in the states would follow this lead if it catches on?

Originally Posted by tvropro

Always wondered why Americans want to watch Canadian tv and Canadians want to watch U.S. tv?

Wonder if possibly Direct or Dish here in the states would follow this lead if it catches on?

LOL, I am an American who subscribes to a Canadian TV service and absolutely love it. My main reasons: Sports (MLB, NHL, and NFL), News (BBC and CBC), French shows. Indeed, many Canadians subscribe to US TV. I guess it's one of those "the grass is greener" kind of things.

Mods: can this thread be simultaneously posted in the Canadian forum?

Originally Posted by tvropro

Wonder if possibly Direct or Dish here in the states would follow this lead if it catches on?

There was once a discussion about Directv doing this a while back if am not mistaking.

that this is just a ploy by the broadcasters to not have to upgrade to digital transmitters. They are dragging their heals over the costs associated with it. It stems from their current request for fee-for-carriage; which most people who know anything about are vehemently against.

Have a great day,
Satboyz