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aa9vi
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

What's keeping A-la-Carte from becoming a reality?

With the annual ~$5 monthly package increases every year that is often greater than the rate of inflation or some of our paycheck raises I imagine many are wondering why they can't get a-la-carte, i.e. pay for only the individual channels you want. I started thinking the other day how ESPN has really trended downward with content yet their subscriber fees lead the pack. I don't watch many stations that I am paying a fee each month. I am effectively subsidizing poor ratings and floating their network like a welfare recipient. So, what really is keeping a-la-carte from becoming a reality given the high costs of the package programming and that the consumer is forced to pay for many useless networks they could care less about? Wouldn't this also level the playing field with the OTA channels and the decided disadvantage they are at for subscriber fees?
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TNGTony
TNGTony
All these same old (and inaccurate media propaganda disguised as actual) arguments about what a bad idea a la carte is...
ECONOMICS would make it work. As more and more people start finding other ways to entertain themselves and and find other ways to view their favorite programs, a la carte is really the ONLY way cable and satellite will survive in the long run.

The ONLY thing preventing a la carte from taking off are the channel provider's refusal to UN-BUNDLE their suite of channels. Disney/ABC, Viacom and so forth will not stand for it.

Anyone remember Dish Network's Dish Pix? 10 channels you chose for 15 bucks a month? It didn't fall apart because subscribers or Dish didn't want to keep the package. It fell apart because the providers, one by one, removed their channels from the menu because they insisted on having all the channels come together as part of the basic package. The HD only package almost fell apart for the same reason.

When I look at how many channels I watch, 10 cable channels would pretty much fit the bill. Even if it's double the price it was in the late 90s, it would still be much less than I am paying now and I would get only the channels I actually watch!
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Jimbo
Jimbo
TNGTony said:
All these same old (and inaccurate media propaganda disguised as actual) arguments about what a bad idea a la carte is...
ECONOMICS would make it work. As more and more people start finding other ways to entertain themselves and and find other ways to view their favorite programs, a la carte is really the ONLY way cable and satellite will survive in the long run.

The ONLY thing preventing a la carte from taking off are the channel provider's refusal to UN-BUNDLE their suite of channels. Disney/ABC, Viacom and so forth will not stand for it.

Anyone remember Dish Network's Dish Pix? 10 channels you chose for 15 bucks a month? It didn't fall apart because subscribers or Dish didn't want to keep the package. It fell apart because the providers, one by one, removed their channels from the menu because they insisted on having all the channels come together as part of the basic package. The HD only package almost fell apart for the same reason.

When I look at how many channels I watch, 10 cable channels would pretty much fit the bill. Even if it's double the price it was in the late 90s, it would still be much less than I am paying now and I would get only the channels I actually watch!
Click to expand...

What possible reason would you as a PROVIDER have for WANTING to unBundle channels that you own ?
All the other providers are required to accept the good with the not so good.

IF you decided to UnBundle said channels you would find channels that would cost $ 20 per MONTH EACH.

You would NOT be saving money in any way.
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M
Mr Tony
TNGTony said:
Anyone remember Dish Network's Dish Pix? 10 channels you chose for 15 bucks a month? It didn't fall apart because subscribers or Dish didn't want to keep the package. It fell apart because the providers, one by one, removed their channels from the menu because they insisted on having all the channels come together as part of the basic package. The HD only package almost fell apart for the same reason.
Click to expand...

But then again there were only like 38 channels to choose from. I still have a pamphlet that shows it. It says "Any 10 services from AT40 EXCEPT Disney".

lots more channels to choose from now ;)
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TNGTony
TNGTony
But the number of actual channel owners has gone DOWN. The number of channels is irrelevant, really. It has to do with the quality of programming one wants to watch and is willing to pay for! So what if there's 200 channels to choose from? If you want more, you pay more. If a package is worth the difference, you take the package. It's about choice and nothing more. Not everyone is a channel horder!
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yaz96
yaz96
Jimbo said:
What possible reason would you as a PROVIDER have for WANTING to unBundle channels that you own ?
All the other providers are required to accept the good with the not so good.

IF you decided to UnBundle said channels you would find channels that would cost $ 20 per MONTH EACH.

You would NOT be saving money in any way.
Click to expand...

TNGTony said:
The providers have zero incentive to unbundle their channels. That is the problem. The predictions of gloom and doom and $50 bills for 5 channels are insane! Economics would not allow that! A la carte programming could be a viable reality where you would actually buy ONLY what you want. And keep in mind that at no point did I say we should abolish packages. When I go to McDonald's sometimes I want the #2 meal, sometimes I just want fries or a drink. I can even just buy the hamburger patty! Sure the bundle price is cheaper as a whole, but not if I just want the burger and a coke!

Why not give that choice to cable/satellite subscribers?
Click to expand...

They will not UNBUNDLE because they make advertising revenue off of EACH channel.

Less channels equals less revenue. They are NOT going to do that.
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TNGTony
TNGTony
Thus the first line in the second post quoted above. :)
I know the providers have no incentive. This is, IMHO is the problem. The vertical monopolies that giant mega-corps are allowed to have form an atmosphere on non-competitiveness that artificially inflates the prices of the channels as it is! It is a problem that USED to be addressed by regulation and law that has been softened to the point of being useless.
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robjlevin
You keep saying that you know they have no incentive. So? Tell us how these programmers would be able to make money because that's the only incentive they have.

Regulation forcing ala carte? How would that work? The programmers would be forced to sell channels individually to MSOs? The MSOs would be forced to sell them individually to subscribers? Then what? Congress sets the pricing?

There's no way in the world that would work. Sorry, but ala carte may sound really good on the surface but in practice it's not viable.
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harshness
harshness
Iceberg said:
lots more channels to choose from now ;)
Click to expand...
Alas, roughly the same proportion of them are from Disney.
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iJustine
· posted in iJustine

Halloween Pokemon Center Haul

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UB8LxIX5pj4


Direct YouTube Link - Halloween Pokemon Center Haul
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
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iJustine
· posted in iJustine

Halloween Pokemon Haul Unboxing 🎃👻

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns9XgJYYE4U


Direct YouTube Link - Halloween Pokemon Haul Unboxing 🎃👻
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne


Get it?


An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
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ClarkGable
ClarkGable
Another One Bites The Dust - Queen
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Bobby
Bobby
Oh Susanna, Dust off the Old Pianna - Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra
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harshness
harshness
Garden Party - Ricky Nelson
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gms49ers
gms49ers
The Garden - Rush
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sdfntx
sdfntx
Safe In My Garden - The Mamas & The Papas
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Rest in Peace Walter Koenig and Sir Patrick Stewart

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NKE-xni73hs


Direct YouTube Link - Rest in Peace Walter Koenig and Sir Patrick Stewart
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

The Arc Browser Is Retiring

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WzJaTOYkEWg


Direct YouTube Link - The Arc Browser Is Retiring
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

How Compromised Certificates Let Hackers Impersonate Any Website #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XBuL6Qy1l_A


Direct YouTube Link - How Compromised Certificates Let Hackers Impersonate Any Website #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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osu1991
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

USA Healthcare Costs are Ridiculous

:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs

My health Insurance renewal for 2027 just came in. Going from $827 a month to $1,187 a month. Deductible going up a $1k to $9,350. Max out of pocket also going up $1k to $11,000. Doctor co-pay of $40. Urgent Care co-pay $50. ER 50% coinsurance after deductible. That's all in network. Out of network is double, should it be needed.

Have to think about this. I'm really tempted to just go without now. I only go to the doctor once or twice a year. I pay out of pocket for Tirzepitide and can do without the Rosuvastatin (crestor) now. Really tired of spending over $10k a year and getting nothing out of it.

After years with Blue Cross I switched last year to Ambetter as my Blue Cross premium was going from $1200 to $1800 for a Silver plan and the Bronze plan was still going to be $1300 at BCBS. Ambetter was $827 for the same coverage with a Bronze plan. Didn't think it would jump this much so soon.

I'm guessing a Silver plan is probably over $2,000 a month for 2027.
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vazhog
vazhog
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit? This is why there is a Pit, and why I rarely use the Chit Chat Club. But someone said, "The Pub is Elitist since you have to pay dues to enter, so please post in the Chit Chat forum so more guests can read and participate."
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harshness
harshness
Foxbat said:
Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit?
Click to expand...
Because health care shouldn't be a political issue?
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S
slow_poke_pete
vazhog said:
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -
Click to expand...
what about the welfare kings and queens :rolleyes:
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osu1991
osu1991
Foxbat said:
Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit? This is why there is a Pit, and why I rarely use the Chit Chat Club. But someone said, "The Pub is Elitist since you have to pay dues to enter, so please post in the Chit Chat forum so more guests can read and participate."
Click to expand...
I didn't start it as a political statement and have no interest in the political BS of this country. Everyone wants to make everything political nowadays. This was just my rant over the outrageous increase in my premiums and how unaffordable healthcare is becoming to the average person here.

admin can close or delete it if they don't want here.
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Bobby
Bobby
Foxbat said:
Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit? This is why there is a Pit, and why I rarely use the Chit Chat Club. But someone said, "The Pub is Elitist since you have to pay dues to enter, so please post in the Chit Chat forum so more guests can read and participate."
Click to expand...
There are no dues to be paid to be in the Pit. You just have to use the password which is clearly shown when you try to log in to it.
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T
telebiker
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish Hopper and Dish Hopper Plus No Alexa in settings

I have Dish Hopper and Hopper Plus and also have Alexa Echo. I link the Alex skill to Dish and it asks me to enter the pairing code shown on the TV. I go into Dish Settings and there is no Alexa shown. Not sure what to do.
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H
Harryhaggle
Understood. But here's the rub - Google Assistant setup is ALSO missing from the Hopper Plus setup. I'm a paraplegic.and need to use voice controls as much as possible but I can't press a button on the remote to activate Google Assistant. I prefer ALEXA (or ALEXA+) but I have one older google device and will go that route IF they make it available. BTW calling Dish Customer Service is no help- they just say they have no info on if/when there will be an update.
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navychop
navychop
Ungood.
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reubenray
What is the purpose of connecting Alexa and the H3?
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navychop
navychop
Tell Alexa verbally what to do.
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snissen
snissen
reubenray said:
What is the purpose of connecting Alexa and the H3?
Click to expand...
I stand up from my chair with my glass in one hand and my plate in the other, when a story I really want to hear comes on the TV. So I say, "Alexa, pause DISH", and it waits for me to return from the kitchen, at which time I say, "Alexa, resume DISH".

Or maybe, when I return with a full glass in one hand and a new plate in the other, I realize I forgot to pause to hear this good story from its start. So I say, "Alexa, skip DISH backwards 3 minutes", and I still get to catch the whole story.

I use this every day. Or until I acquire a third hand.
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Linus Tech Tips
· posted in Linus Tech Tips

I Doubled My GPU’s Memory…

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Cnyj0I62c


Direct YouTube Link - I Doubled My GPU's Memory…
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Claude's site is still up and running. New link required

I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!
satelliteretailer.com satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
dishstaller said:
I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!
satelliteretailer.com satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.
Click to expand...
Now I have to go check out what happened now. Lol!
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Went and looked, not too bad...

Just let people know the address is satelliteretailer.com as DishRetailer.COM is not working. :)
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(((Garyd)))
(((Garyd)))
dishstaller said:
If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.
Click to expand...
Your old link triggered my Bitdefender today.
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