New FTA service with 20 english channels

[LoTech]

different rules...these are being uplinked and not sold

So does this mean that as long as FreeDBS doesn't sell their programming, that they are able to rebroadcast any network that uplinks through them without the hassle of worrying about markets? Maybe if this takes off they will be able to offer both East and West coast feeds.

 

[N5XZS]

Two things, I have to say,

1. I would like to see 50 and 50 % percents, goes to famlily G-rated to PG rated programings and the other half to grownups so they can get FTA PG-13 to soft X rated programs provided that Free DBS use V-chip system. Parents will be responble for it using the V chip, NOT the broadcast programing providers FTA or Pay service!!

2. It will be great to get out of town superstations, by getting out of town local news other than Albuquerqque's TV market.:

I, would like to see WSBK-DT out of Boston, MA, KCAL-DT out of L.A., CA, KWGN, out of Denver, CO and many others if the station owners agree with the fine grand ideas for FTA DBS.

 

[Mr Tony]

So does this mean that as long as FreeDBS doesn't sell their programming, that they are able to rebroadcast any network that uplinks through them without the hassle of worrying about markets? Maybe if this takes off they will be able to offer both East and West coast feeds.

does Equity ring a bell?

 

[Mr Tony]

The whole network thing scares me.

So supposedly these will be beamed up in the clear. So all it takes is the wrong person either telling (or gloating) to his local stations that he can do one of the following
-see sporting events he normally wouldnt see
-see programming earlier than his time zone (EST & CST exempt)

for them to either have to scramble them (as Equity had to at one time) or to be removed/shut down.

I understand this is might be a great venture but adding channels like network affiliates might not be the best thing...just my opinion

 

[BurlesonBlue]

OTA TV could go away if some get their way, here' is a C/P for this site:

hXXp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrestrial_television
Competition for radio spectrum

In late 2009, US competition for the limited available radio spectrum led to debate over the possible re-allocation of frequencies currently occupied by television, and the FCC began asking for comments on how to increase the bandwidth available for wireless broadband. Some have proposed mixing the two together, on different channels that are already open (like white-space devices), while other have proposed "repacking" some stations and forcing them off certain channels, just a few years after the same thing was done (without compensation to the broadcasters) in the DTV transition in the United States.
Some US commenters have proposed the closing down of over-the-air TV broadcasting, on the grounds that available spectrum might be better used, and requiring viewers to shift to satellite or cable reception. This would eliminate mobile TV, which has been delayed several years by the FCC's decision to choose ATSC and its proprietary 8VSB modulation, instead of the worldwide COFDM standard used for all other digital terrestrial broadcasting around the world. Compared to Europe and Asia, this has hamstrung mobile TV in the US, because ATSC cannot be received while in motion (or often even while stationary) without ATSC-M/H as terrestrial DVB-T or ISDB-T can even without DVB-H or 1seg.
The National Association of Broadcasters has organized to fight such proposals, and public comments are also being taken by the FCC through mid-December 2009, in preparation for a plan to be released in mid-February 2010.

Day late and a dollar short.

http://www.crn.com/mobile/223100699;jsessionid=ZBRDA0VXOOEKZQE1GHPCKH4ATMY32JVN

"While overwhelmingly -- roughly 90 percent -- of Americans receive their broadcast TV programming in most major markets through cable wires or satellite signals, there are still millions of Americans who receive TV through over-the-air antenna TV. Broadcasters would be able to continue to serve their communities with free over-the-air local news, information and entertainment; and they would be able to experiment with mobile TV," Genachowski said.
There is a massive amount of unlocked value in the broadcast TV spectrum, Genachowski said, noting that one study found that as much as $50 billion in spectrum could be freed up if policies were adopted to transition broadcast spectrum to mobile spectrum.
"The highly valuable spectrum currently allocated for broadcast television is not being used efficiently -- indeed, much is not being used at all," Genachowski said.
Although about 300MHz of spectrum has been reserved for broadcast TV, in markets with less than 1 million people only about 36MHz is typically used. In larger markets, only about 100MHz to 150MHz out of 300MHz are now used for broadcast TV, he said.
"This is true even after the recent reallocation for digital television, which freed up some spectrum for mobile broadband. New technologies allow -- indeed, they require -- new strategic planning to ensure the most efficient use of spectrum, a vital public resource, especially given our broadband needs," Genachowski said.

 

[Jim S.]

The only way spectrum should be taken from free broadcast services for point-to-point communications is if said point-to-point communications are also going to be free. To sell it to the cellular companies is an abomination. People don't even really need to use their phones as much as they do now, there's simply no need to be constantly talking to someone. But hey, if they want to microwave their brains, more power to them. It doesn't affect me in the slightest since we don't have public health care and I'm not going to pay into some "mandatory" private system.

 

[BurlesonBlue]

The only way spectrum should be taken from free broadcast services for point-to-point communications is if said point-to-point communications are also going to be free. To sell it to the cellular companies is an abomination. People don't even really need to use their phones as much as they do now, there's simply no need to be constantly talking to someone. But hey, if they want to microwave their brains, more power to them. It doesn't affect me in the slightest since we don't have public health care and I'm not going to pay into some "mandatory" private system.

I say that if some of the spectrum isn't being used by the broadcasters, and they get a cut of the money, then why not sell some of it. We (the public) still get the same OTA, and the wireless companies get the spectrum they need.

 

[Phottoman]

Two things, I have to say,

1. I would like to see 50 and 50 % percents, goes to famlily G-rated to PG rated programings and the other half to grownups so they can get FTA PG-13 to soft X rated programs provided that Free DBS use V-chip system. Parents will be responble for it using the V chip, NOT the broadcast programing providers FTA or Pay service!!

2. It will be great to get out of town superstations, by getting out of town local news other than Albuquerqque's TV market.:

I, would like to see WSBK-DT out of Boston, MA, KCAL-DT out of L.A., CA, KWGN, out of Denver, CO and many others if the station owners agree with the fine grand ideas for FTA DBS.

I have held off in commenting, but I think this was a little over the top.

What you want and what you get may be two entirely different things. And I don't mean to pick on you or anyone else for their opinions.

But let's try to keep something in mind.

IF FREEDBS can pull this off, we are all better for it, and if THEIR choice is "family oriented" programming, THAT is what they will give you. NOT soft porn or even hard porn. I have to agree with them on this, and NOT from "moral" grounds. It's THEIR thing to do with as they CAN, not ours to make any demands.

If you want soft (or hard) porn, go buy or rent videos, on line or in a store.

As for out of area networks, again, it is THEIR thing. IF they can get the major networks on board, great, but if not, there is still the Carabbean stations, already in the clear. If you are prohibited from watching because you can't or don't have C Band equipment, that would be on you, not on FREEDBS.

I think we are starting to suffer from that human problem so prevalent these days. "I don't HAVE it, I WANT it, so GIVE it to me."

IF FREEDBS is really going to pull this off, I think we need to be THANKFUL to them for their efforts, not make demands on what they can/should put together for us. I would personally LOVE to see this happen, and I look forward with great anticipation for this to happen.

Good luck Wayne-o, I for one, and millions of others are pulling and praying for your success. Thank you.

Photto

 

[cruzin]

Has the Hallmark channel been considered?

 

[LoTech]

I think we are starting to suffer from that human problem so prevalent these days. "I don't HAVE it, I WANT it, so GIVE it to me."

IF FREEDBS is really going to pull this off, I think we need to be THANKFUL to them for their efforts, not make demands on what they can/should put together for us. I would personally LOVE to see this happen, and I look forward with great anticipation for this to happen.

I think the fact that this is dangling just out of reach in the future is making many of us anxious. Some in a good way; some not so good. It gives us plenty of time to think about things that can go wrong, and spurs speculation.

To quote Tom Petty, "The waiting is the hardest part."

 

[hwm]

What about minor network channels like...

...MGM, Ion, WB, MyNet, RFDtv, others I am blissfully unaware of, and English language foriegn networks like BBC, ITV, and others? Wouldn't most of them jump at the chance to have their signal available to more viewers on the proposed FreeDBS service? Even RTV may want the increased exposure. What about independent OTA stations with content that may appeal to a broader audience segment?

The idea of FreeDBS generating many of their own channels full of worthwhile content seems a bit over the top to me.

As for the major USA networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, don't their OTA broadcast stations have contracts that guarantee them an exclusive franchise or right to broadcast the network's programming in their area?

I hope that FreeDBS will be successful, and am just tossing some points for discussion out on the table.

A working EPG would be great.

Channels from Australia and New Zealand would be awesome.

 

[TMair]

I have held off in commenting, but I think this was a little over the top.

What you want and what you get may be two entirely different things. And I don't mean to pick on you or anyone else for their opinions.

But let's try to keep something in mind.

IF FREEDBS can pull this off, we are all better for it, and if THEIR choice is "family oriented" programming, THAT is what they will give you. NOT soft porn or even hard porn. I have to agree with them on this, and NOT from "moral" grounds. It's THEIR thing to do with as they CAN, not ours to make any demands.

If you want soft (or hard) porn, go buy or rent videos, on line or in a store.

As for out of area networks, again, it is THEIR thing. IF they can get the major networks on board, great, but if not, there is still the Carabbean stations, already in the clear. If you are prohibited from watching because you can't or don't have C Band equipment, that would be on you, not on FREEDBS.

I think we are starting to suffer from that human problem so prevalent these days. "I don't HAVE it, I WANT it, so GIVE it to me."

IF FREEDBS is really going to pull this off, I think we need to be THANKFUL to them for their efforts, not make demands on what they can/should put together for us. I would personally LOVE to see this happen, and I look forward with great anticipation for this to happen.

Good luck Wayne-o, I for one, and millions of others are pulling and praying for your success. Thank you.

Photto

I agree 100%, if freedbs pulls this off, and it is sucsessful the others will come along, this could be the revolution that we have been waiting for!!

I have been happy with what freedbs is listing, and their efforts, I just hope is works out for them, and in turn for us!!
Terry

 

[JAS]

:upI'll be happy with what ever is offered and will enjoy it as long as it last. If there is something I don't like, well I will not watch It. Just like I'm doing now

 

[LoTech]

I just compared the FreeDBS lineup with Dish Family. They offer much of the same programming types. As a matter of fact, with only a few exceptions, you would be able to get nearly all of the same programming with a FreeDBS/motorized KU setup. Dish Family $25 - FreeDBS $0.

 

[jbmiller]

hi, i'm a christian and i really love my glorystar system they preprogrammed all their fta receivers Free Christian Satellite Television - No Monthly Fees from Glorystar Christian Satellite!
so i think this new service freeDBS will work as well
john

 

[classicsat]

So does this mean that as long as FreeDBS doesn't sell their programming, that they are able to rebroadcast any network that uplinks through them without the hassle of worrying about markets? Maybe if this takes off they will be able to offer both East and West coast feeds.

IMHO, as long as they do not use encryption or location controlling technilogy, there are not on the hook for it, the station would.

On the British stations, it is unlikely they want to be on satellite outside of their market in any form. They make their money onselling their shows to foreign channels.

 

[melbfla]

Not sure if this is feasible or could much interest but I would think a channel that would offer say a chance for smaller countries / islands with small tourist budgets to use the channel to show case their countries unique things they have to offer for tourists this way they could share the cost of a 24hr channel.

 

[TMair]

There are a lot of channels that I think would jump at the chance, lately I have been watching MAV TV, I remember when it was a pay channel, anyway they have some pretty good programs on there, I was watching a fight channel from Vernal UT. I live a couple of hours from there, I had no idea they had that channel, anyway I am wondering if it would be less expencive them to go with something like freedbs.
But then if those programs like MAV TV can get the advertising dollars to stay on C Band and stay free why can't others?!
Terry

 

[Mr Tony]

As for the major USA networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, don't their OTA broadcast stations have contracts that guarantee them an exclusive franchise or right to broadcast the network's programming in their area?

normally I would say yes but the "area" can be grey.....The rule usually is if you can get it OTA you can show it on cable. Thats why some areas (mainly rural) have stations from multiple areas.

also what about Equity? I know they were a "unique setup" but they did broadcast nationwide via FTA. Now reckon it was just Fox & ABC for the big Networks but I know lots of folks had a dish at G10 for UNivision or the Independent stations (before they were RTV at the time)

 

[Bill_KY]

I get two markets here, Cincinnati and Dayton Ohio. For the most part a majority of viewers would watch the Cincinnati stations instead of Dayton. I'm fairly sure that the Cincinnati stations are not concerned that some of their viewers might watch a Dayton station over a Cincinnati station.

My opinion is that local broadcasters are too paranoid that they might lose viewers from out of market stations. Most people will still turn to their local stations for local content that they need like traffic, weather and local news.

If the Caribbean Networks mux on 99W can exist on C-band...then surely they could exist on Ku Band as well. The only difference between the two..is the size of the dish. If there are 'issues' with the nets or the NAB with what freedbs is proposing.....Surly then freedbs should/could be able to get carriage from the Carribbean mux instead from 99W C-band and put it on the new service.