Social Feed
Interview: Voom HD, cutting edge of tele programming
At one point they were struggling to get channel space, until EchoStar -- the folks behind DISH Network -- purchased a large stake in the company. Now a few months later Voom finds itself in a stronger position and recently announced the launch of 15 new HD channels that take niche content to new levels.
The new offerings include channels devoted to horror films, martial arts, video gaming and a live-music showcase. And the service is one of only a handful to broadcast in 100-percent high definition 24/7.
Last week UPI interviewed Greg Moyer, the general manager of VOOM HD NETWORKS, which produces content exclusively in HD for distribution in the United States through satellite and cable operators.
Q. How did you end up at Voom?
A. I was one of the earliest people at the Discovery Channel, and was 18th employer hired. In 1999 I moved to New York to take a job with Rainbow Media. What I enjoyed the most about Discovery was that I was able to travel the world to get great content. Voom gives me the sense of being on the cutting edge of technology and content. HD is as revolutionary as the introduction of color to the experience of watching television.
Q. About five years ago, this correspondent purchased a beautiful HDTV set, but there was no content available for it and to this day I have yet to actually watch anything in HD on it.
A. The actual sale of the sets outpaced the available content. This showed that people did want the larger sets with the wide angle screens and flat panel displays. They wanted the whole appearance and high performance of the sets but very little programming made. And still today, there isn't much content available for HDTV, that's why Voom HD is entering the market with so many different HD channels at one time. There aren't enough dependable sources of HD content.
Q. Which goes to my question of who is silly enough (besides me) to purchase an HD set at this stage? Do you think the delay of available content is impacting the sale of HD sets?
A. I think the reason hasn't been more HD content is that program producers don't have a unique HD revenue stream that would justify them converting from standard definition to HD production. Broadcasters have a firm federal mandate to upgrade their equipment to digital by 2009. If it was up to them they would stay with their current equipment until it broke. They aren't getting any more money from advertisers because they are putting out an HD signal. So, it was all expense without any revenue. Cable networks like Discovery was very friendly to HD because it's visually driven, but even then they weren't making any money off their programming, other than getting a little from the cable networks to be part of their HD tier of service.
Q. What is the cost deferential between producing standard and HD programming?
A. Different people in the value chain would answer differently. On the production side, there's about a 10-25 percent premium to produce in HD. So a $100 show would cost about $125 to produce in HD. But that price is coming down as the equipment gets cheaper, it's now closer to the 10-percent range. The bigger expense is being borne by the broadcast stations who have to rebuild their studio infrastructure -- buy new transmitters, cameras, broadcast facilities, etc. which is a much more expensive upgrade. At the Discovery Channel all we had to do was purchase new cameras and editing equipment.
Digital Cable TV
Digital Cable TV for movies & music now available in NY, NJ & CT
Voom With Dish Network
4 Rooms Plus HDTV or DVR Free Dish Network Satellite TV With Voom
Compare Dish® & DirecTV®
Free Install. Compare Dish Network® & DirecTV®. Special Online Offers.
<!-- ads for no java browsers --><NOSCRIPT>
</NOSCRIPT>
Q. What do you think of the next generation of gaming systems, and what impact do you think the PS3 and Xbox 360 will have on HD television sales?
A. I believe that the 360 and PS3 will be an extraordinary compelling driver to get people to purchase HD sets because the passion around gaming is extremely high. It also becomes an excuse for dad to do something nice for the family and buy the "kids" an HD set for their new systems. It's another great example of how content is going to catch up and push HD in the market. As it relates to Voom, we announced this year the launch of GameplayHD, an HD channel devoted to video gamers.
Without being critical of our competitor, G4 is trying to become a men's channel and moving away from being a video game channel. We thought that there was an editorial opportunity to fill that space. You are going to see the best gamers in the world, playing games in HD.
Q. The picture quality was truly amazing.
A. It would have been an interesting idea to launch Gameplay a few years ago. But now it's absolutely compelling television. The realism of the virtual worlds that are being created for Xbox and Playstation is as good as a movie today. It's just like watching ESPN for live sports.
Q. It seems like the network is geared towards the male demographic, but there is some stuff on there that I'd watch. Who is the audience for Voom?
A. On the one hand it's a study in contradictions. We are trying to appeal to a broad family audience by having channels that appeal to different segments. For instance, we have an Anime channel that will appeal to 8-year-olds, to Ultra -- our fashion and beauty channel. We know the bulk of the decision makers who will purchase an HD set are male, so a preponderance of our channels are geared towards that demographic. We hope that across the spectrum everyone in the family will have at least two channels that they would call their favorites. We're fortunate to have a partner in EchoStar who has given us the bandwidth to do this. An HD set will be a family purchase, since it will be in the family room.
Currently most of the channels broadcasting in HD aren't doing it on a 24/7 basis.
Dish recognized that the initial tier of HD was not robust enough to make it as a mainstream content offering. So that's why they wanted to partner with us.
Q. I'm really big on alternative, homegrown programming and think that's where the real competitive offering will be. It seems like Voom also agrees with this. That instead of offering the same old programming, only in HD, you are trying to build more niche stations where you can do more experimenting.
A. We are moving away from a mass-media age to more of niche programming. In the past we only had a couple of magazines now we have more than 5,000. We used to only have three or four television networks, now we have over 200. So we're moving away from mass organizations to having dedicated portals. So Voom is trying to build communities around these niches.
Q. Do you plan on utilizing the Internet to build large scale online communities around these channels?
A. Yes, we are in talks with several major online players to brand our individual networks. We hope to have some major announcements regarding Gameplay and Monsters in the coming months.
At one point they were struggling to get channel space, until EchoStar -- the folks behind DISH Network -- purchased a large stake in the company. Now a few months later Voom finds itself in a stronger position and recently announced the launch of 15 new HD channels that take niche content to new levels.
The new offerings include channels devoted to horror films, martial arts, video gaming and a live-music showcase. And the service is one of only a handful to broadcast in 100-percent high definition 24/7.
Last week UPI interviewed Greg Moyer, the general manager of VOOM HD NETWORKS, which produces content exclusively in HD for distribution in the United States through satellite and cable operators.
Q. How did you end up at Voom?
A. I was one of the earliest people at the Discovery Channel, and was 18th employer hired. In 1999 I moved to New York to take a job with Rainbow Media. What I enjoyed the most about Discovery was that I was able to travel the world to get great content. Voom gives me the sense of being on the cutting edge of technology and content. HD is as revolutionary as the introduction of color to the experience of watching television.
Q. About five years ago, this correspondent purchased a beautiful HDTV set, but there was no content available for it and to this day I have yet to actually watch anything in HD on it.
A. The actual sale of the sets outpaced the available content. This showed that people did want the larger sets with the wide angle screens and flat panel displays. They wanted the whole appearance and high performance of the sets but very little programming made. And still today, there isn't much content available for HDTV, that's why Voom HD is entering the market with so many different HD channels at one time. There aren't enough dependable sources of HD content.
Q. Which goes to my question of who is silly enough (besides me) to purchase an HD set at this stage? Do you think the delay of available content is impacting the sale of HD sets?
A. I think the reason hasn't been more HD content is that program producers don't have a unique HD revenue stream that would justify them converting from standard definition to HD production. Broadcasters have a firm federal mandate to upgrade their equipment to digital by 2009. If it was up to them they would stay with their current equipment until it broke. They aren't getting any more money from advertisers because they are putting out an HD signal. So, it was all expense without any revenue. Cable networks like Discovery was very friendly to HD because it's visually driven, but even then they weren't making any money off their programming, other than getting a little from the cable networks to be part of their HD tier of service.
Q. What is the cost deferential between producing standard and HD programming?
A. Different people in the value chain would answer differently. On the production side, there's about a 10-25 percent premium to produce in HD. So a $100 show would cost about $125 to produce in HD. But that price is coming down as the equipment gets cheaper, it's now closer to the 10-percent range. The bigger expense is being borne by the broadcast stations who have to rebuild their studio infrastructure -- buy new transmitters, cameras, broadcast facilities, etc. which is a much more expensive upgrade. At the Discovery Channel all we had to do was purchase new cameras and editing equipment.
Digital Cable TV
Digital Cable TV for movies & music now available in NY, NJ & CT
Voom With Dish Network
4 Rooms Plus HDTV or DVR Free Dish Network Satellite TV With Voom
Compare Dish® & DirecTV®
Free Install. Compare Dish Network® & DirecTV®. Special Online Offers.
<!-- ads for no java browsers --><NOSCRIPT>
Q. What do you think of the next generation of gaming systems, and what impact do you think the PS3 and Xbox 360 will have on HD television sales?
A. I believe that the 360 and PS3 will be an extraordinary compelling driver to get people to purchase HD sets because the passion around gaming is extremely high. It also becomes an excuse for dad to do something nice for the family and buy the "kids" an HD set for their new systems. It's another great example of how content is going to catch up and push HD in the market. As it relates to Voom, we announced this year the launch of GameplayHD, an HD channel devoted to video gamers.
Without being critical of our competitor, G4 is trying to become a men's channel and moving away from being a video game channel. We thought that there was an editorial opportunity to fill that space. You are going to see the best gamers in the world, playing games in HD.
Q. The picture quality was truly amazing.
A. It would have been an interesting idea to launch Gameplay a few years ago. But now it's absolutely compelling television. The realism of the virtual worlds that are being created for Xbox and Playstation is as good as a movie today. It's just like watching ESPN for live sports.
Q. It seems like the network is geared towards the male demographic, but there is some stuff on there that I'd watch. Who is the audience for Voom?
A. On the one hand it's a study in contradictions. We are trying to appeal to a broad family audience by having channels that appeal to different segments. For instance, we have an Anime channel that will appeal to 8-year-olds, to Ultra -- our fashion and beauty channel. We know the bulk of the decision makers who will purchase an HD set are male, so a preponderance of our channels are geared towards that demographic. We hope that across the spectrum everyone in the family will have at least two channels that they would call their favorites. We're fortunate to have a partner in EchoStar who has given us the bandwidth to do this. An HD set will be a family purchase, since it will be in the family room.
Currently most of the channels broadcasting in HD aren't doing it on a 24/7 basis.
Dish recognized that the initial tier of HD was not robust enough to make it as a mainstream content offering. So that's why they wanted to partner with us.
Q. I'm really big on alternative, homegrown programming and think that's where the real competitive offering will be. It seems like Voom also agrees with this. That instead of offering the same old programming, only in HD, you are trying to build more niche stations where you can do more experimenting.
A. We are moving away from a mass-media age to more of niche programming. In the past we only had a couple of magazines now we have more than 5,000. We used to only have three or four television networks, now we have over 200. So we're moving away from mass organizations to having dedicated portals. So Voom is trying to build communities around these niches.
Q. Do you plan on utilizing the Internet to build large scale online communities around these channels?
A. Yes, we are in talks with several major online players to brand our individual networks. We hope to have some major announcements regarding Gameplay and Monsters in the coming months.
0 Replies
·
1155 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
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....
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....
68630 Replies
·
2678886 views
iJustine
Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bmgQFnQEqVo
Direct YouTube Link - New colors of the HomePod Mini 2! Blue, pink and green!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bmgQFnQEqVo
Direct YouTube Link - New colors of the HomePod Mini 2! Blue, pink and green!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
0 Replies
·
3 views
Pub Member / Supporter
House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act
(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, marking a major step forward for broadcasters and listeners who have pushed to keep AM radio available in new cars and
wabcradio.com
20 Replies
·
581 views
. can we say over priced garbage!!!
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1gKXwyGz68c
Direct YouTube Link - Will AI Be Rejected in Game Development's Future? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1gKXwyGz68c
Direct YouTube Link - Will AI Be Rejected in Game Development's Future? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
7 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank 
47 Replies
·
1290 views
Take the cover off, show me pics of the board of the bad one and also the bottom of the board. I'm an old hardware electronics tech plus a satellite dealer; I fixed a lot of FTA and regular receivers. I may be able to fix it for you. And yes, they got hit by lightning; it's best to email me the pics at diamondsatellite@snet.net or call me at 203-232-8888. I give you a 50-50 chance of fixing it; I do have spare parts. my phone is a fliptop phoneHello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank
Gary
S
a good surge protector will help to.Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank
Seems like I remember that now, with my V9 I manually entered anyway on 105, easier for me to pick the channel later
IS Amiko MIRA 3 any good ???
Can you recommend the best to cover all bases. NO BEEPS on certain channels 101w (NEWSMAX ,NEWS NATION), a clock that keeps working STEADY for timed recording ,solid unit with good lifespan. My Amiko died AND my Linkbox has NO Favorites Button and BEEPS on many channels. Picking up 105 west with a NEW SHED IN THE Way with 6 foot Cband ..95 percent quality ...unbelievable.
Can you recommend the best to cover all bases. NO BEEPS on certain channels 101w (NEWSMAX ,NEWS NATION), a clock that keeps working STEADY for timed recording ,solid unit with good lifespan. My Amiko died AND my Linkbox has NO Favorites Button and BEEPS on many channels. Picking up 105 west with a NEW SHED IN THE Way with 6 foot Cband ..95 percent quality ...unbelievable.
10 Replies
·
268 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
3 Replies
·
65 views
Supporting Founder
Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
172 Replies
·
2475 views
Once the 24 gets here, there won't be anymore Conference Championships .... or so they say.
Oh what the hell, we really don't need Conferences anymore either ...
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omPQDqqbatQ
Direct YouTube Link - Whiskey Pick: Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omPQDqqbatQ
Direct YouTube Link - Whiskey Pick: Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
25 views