Over-the-air making a comeback?

Jay · 07-01-2009, 12:05 AM

Has the Digital Transition helped spark an interest in over-the-air (OTA) TV again?

A survey by Harris Corp. earlier this month has garnered little press attention, yet the numbers from the statistical data it provided should send shockwaves through the cable and satellite provider industry.

55 percent of 1,046 viewers polled say they are "somewhat or very likely" to switch from cable or satellite service to antennas for receiving over-the-air television signals.

Demographically, the under 24 years olds were most likely to consider switching to OTA from pay cable or satellite services.

With cable and satellite providers posting dismal (less than 1%) growth rates in the fourth quarter of 2008, and the economy still stuck in a recession...is it "cool" to watch OTA again?

Link to the Harris Survey: http://www.harris.com/harris/whats_n...ey_results.pdf

Orrymain · 07-01-2009, 01:10 AM

It might be if my antenna got me more than 20 channels. It's the sub-channels and the digital bringing in more channels that is the draw in my opinion.

bicker · 07-01-2009, 02:59 AM

I suppose the DTV transition could have evoked a "fad" of watching television via OTA. However, I think it more likely to be fleeting, soon to be eclipsed by online video or perhaps even a resurgence of cable and satellite coinciding with an economic recovery.

1inxs · 07-01-2009, 05:51 AM

When I was a kid, I was excited when the 3 channels we received, started broadcasting more programs in color. That wasn't all that long ago. Now, with my 21 HD stations, I'm very satisfied. Most everyone I tell about my new OTA HD experience are confused. I get comments or questions like "you get 21 high definition stations and don't pay anything for it" or "is there anything to watch on the stations you receive?" I think as more people find out whats available, there will be more people migrating from cable and satellite to OTA HD TV.

bicker · 07-01-2009, 06:23 AM

Maybe. As we've already discussed, the specters of commercial avoidance and piracy promise to undercut the ability of OTA broadcaster to continue to produce and provide the quantity and quality of programming as they have up until now.

Piggie · 07-01-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orrymain

It might be if my antenna got me more than 20 channels. It's the sub-channels and the digital bringing in more channels that is the draw in my opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1inxs

Now, with my 21 HD stations, I'm very satisfied. .

Ok, are you both counting channels or programs? A channel is the main number. 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are only one channel but 3 subchanels, or programs.

-----

Reliably in analog I received 4 stations and channels. Post transition I can still receive those same 4 channels. But now they provide 8 program choices.

So do I have 4 channels by your standards or 8?

Aaron62 · 07-01-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piggie

Ok, are you both counting channels or programs? A channel is the main number. 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are only one channel but 3 subchanels, or programs.

-----

Reliably in analog I received 4 stations and channels. Post transition I can still receive those same 4 channels. But now they provide 8 program choices.

So do I have 4 channels by your standards or 8?

I'd say you have 4 stations, but 8 channels. Technically, you could say I'm wrong, but that's just the way I see it since all 8 of those channels and subchannels are displaying different programming.

Guess we need some kind of reference to clarify this further because I would have made the same mistake Orry and 1inxs did talking about channels too.