SEARS Insert In Sunday's Newsday

[Sean Mota]

This is an insert that Andymon picked up from Newsday last sunday...

VOOM satellite system-the most High Definition programming...period. The 1st satellite service dedicated to HDTV programming

39.90 per month standard programming offer Includes

• 21 HD channels exclusive to VOOM
• 30+ cable favorites, 18 digital music channels,
• local digital and HD stations (where available) and
• your choice of one HDTV Plus Pack
  
• plus, 1st month of all VOOM programming FREE
  special introductory offer - Get standard offer PLUS all HDTV Plus Packs
  Must activate Oct.31 - Dec. 31. Offer good thru Jan. 31, 2004[/list:u]
  
  749.99 includes HD receiver with remote, satellite dish, digital off-air antenna and professional installation by VOOM approved installers

• 
  
  The VOOM start up kit (item #38301) is a 49.99 payment toward the total system cost of 749.99 ($700 plus appropriate tax,is paid by customer directly to VOOM prior to system installation). Kit includes VOOM receiver, satellite dish with integrated antenna for local channels and professional installation. One month of free programming is from date of installation. Each additional Plus Pack is $14.90 month. To receive high-definition television programming, customers must provide their own high-definition compatible televisions. Image resolution and sound quality depend on the customer's own equipment. Subject to credit approval. Subject to terms and conditions of the VOOM customer agreement, available at www.voom.com Prices, programming, terms and conditions subject to change. Wired phone line recommended. Availability of local channels varies by location. Equipment requirements may vary by location. Additional charges may apply for additional receivers. Comes with 30-day money back guarantee and 2 year in-home service plan. Warranty and guarantee information available at www.voom.com. Money back guarantee may require portions to be refunded directly from applicable retailer. Age restrictions may apply to pay-per-view programming. Taxes may apply to all purchases and offers. The Starz, HBO and Cinemax Plus Packs are provided via satellite capacity that is only temporarily available, our regulatory authority to transmit this programming may expire at any time, and we may be required to cease providing this programming to customers without notice.

 

[Sean Mota]

My only concern with Voom is this:

The Starz, HBO and Cinemax Plus Packs are provided via satellite capacity that is only temporarily available, our regulatory authority to transmit this programming may expire at any time, and we may be required to cease providing this programming to customers without notice.

I have attached the FCC document that grants 180 days lease for the two transponder they got from Echostar.

FCC document

 

[Guest]

Sean, I would not worry about that. Those same transponders were given to Dish on a temp basis in 1998...5 years is a temporary time frame I can deal with . The reason they were given to VOOM is to increase competition. Very unlikely the FCC wil say "naw we don't need 3 Sat providers 2 are fine." But then again Michael Powell is a Murdoch butt kisser so ya never know.

 

[Sean Mota]

Sean, I would not worry about that. Those same transponders were given to Dish on a temp basis in 1998...5 years is a temporary time frame I can deal with . The reason they were given to VOOM is to increase competition. Very unlikely the FCC wil say "naw we don't need 3 Sat providers 2 are fine." But then again Michael Powell is a Murdoch butt kisser so ya never know.

Echostar might put a big fight against losing two TP since they know they will benefit V*. Echostar has deep pockets and might make a case for keeping them. Since Superdish cannot cover Florida then the Bird 61.5 will be needed if they want to provide new HD programming to Florida residents (E* has stated that new HD programming will go only to 105 but they might just duplicate the programming at 61.5 to satisfy the Florida residents). E* will not go down easy. Does anybody know when is the auction? Is it march 2004? If it is, it coincides with the money back guarantee that V* is offering. Makes you wonder?

 

[rang1995]

61.5

will the 61.5 bird be available for those like me in NJ who cant use the superdish due to LOW angles(trees etc.)
Echostar might put a big fight against losing two TP since they know they will benefit V*. Echostar has deep pockets and might make a case for keeping them. Since Superdish cannot cover Florida then the Bird 61.5 will be needed if they want to provide new HD programming to Florida residents (E* has stated that new HD programming will go only to 105 but they might just duplicate the programming at 61.5 to satisfy the Florida residents). E* will not go down easy. Does anybody know when is the auction? Is it march 2004? If it is, it coincides with the money back guarantee that V* is offering. Makes you wonder?

 

[dlsnyder]

When AMC-15 moves to 105 to take over Superdish duties there everyone will get an adequate signal. The only issues remaining will be look angle and the physical size of the Superdish. V* has still got E* beat there since you only need one 18" dish pointed at 61.5. Rainbow 1 also has FSS transponders so if they got licenses to operate in that band they might be able to expand service that way. At that point the dish size advantage would be lost though.