Will owners of high-end TVs zoom to VOOM?
Cablevision Systems, with its new, direct-broadcast satellite service named VOOM, hopes so.
Setting its sights squarely on the 2 million-plus owners of digital televisions, VOOM will offer far more widescreen, high-definition channels than are currently available from rival satellite services DirecTV and Dish Network or from local digital cable providers.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS: While Cablevision has not yet sprung VOOM's details, retailers and programming suppliers have pretty much let the cat out of the bag. Sears has the exclusive right to sell the equipment and service through January and is wiring stores for product displays.
VOOM will tout a staggering 39 HDTV channels, including 21 homegrown services dedicated to "niche" programming. According to a Sears memo, VOOM exclusive channels include: HD Rave, the first high-definition music channel; HD Ultra, a fashion, home design and travel channel; HD Gallery, a visual and performance arts service; and the mood channel dubbed HD MOOV.
Also in the offing are: HD Cinema 10, with 10 HD movie channels; HD Monsters, with sci-fi flicks; the all-cartoon HD Animania; action sports HD Rush; HD VOOM News, plus channels devoted to world sports and collecting.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Buyers of the Motorola-made VOOM equipment - initially priced at $749 for a receiver, an off-air antenna for local HDTV reception and professional installation - will enjoy the VOOM-HD exclusive pack plus one of six "plus" packs at no extra charge through January.
www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/6855282.htm
Cablevision Systems, with its new, direct-broadcast satellite service named VOOM, hopes so.
Setting its sights squarely on the 2 million-plus owners of digital televisions, VOOM will offer far more widescreen, high-definition channels than are currently available from rival satellite services DirecTV and Dish Network or from local digital cable providers.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS: While Cablevision has not yet sprung VOOM's details, retailers and programming suppliers have pretty much let the cat out of the bag. Sears has the exclusive right to sell the equipment and service through January and is wiring stores for product displays.
VOOM will tout a staggering 39 HDTV channels, including 21 homegrown services dedicated to "niche" programming. According to a Sears memo, VOOM exclusive channels include: HD Rave, the first high-definition music channel; HD Ultra, a fashion, home design and travel channel; HD Gallery, a visual and performance arts service; and the mood channel dubbed HD MOOV.
Also in the offing are: HD Cinema 10, with 10 HD movie channels; HD Monsters, with sci-fi flicks; the all-cartoon HD Animania; action sports HD Rush; HD VOOM News, plus channels devoted to world sports and collecting.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Buyers of the Motorola-made VOOM equipment - initially priced at $749 for a receiver, an off-air antenna for local HDTV reception and professional installation - will enjoy the VOOM-HD exclusive pack plus one of six "plus" packs at no extra charge through January.
www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/6855282.htm