Quote:
Originally Posted by TrapLine
My understanding is that al la carte cable is more complex than it may seem on the surface, though I have yet to fully understand why. What bothers me is that a large portion of the channels I am currently subscribing to are channels that I would not support, if given the choice. The right thing to do would most likely be to follow Richard's lead and put up an antenna, but that would leave me without the few channels we actually watch. I would prefer not to help fund channels like MTV but can not exclude them without losing the regional sports network  . |
IMO, your best option is to do all/some of the following:
(a) customize the channel line up on your set-top box to exclude the channels you do not want,
(b) program your DVR to record lots and lots of sports programming,
(c) consistently delete programs off of your DVR that you do not want,
(d) find and join message boards for cable subscribers and talk about how much you want a la carte[these boards are monitored by software engineers/developers if not also cable companies], and
(e) write letters to the staff members of the relevant congressional committees and the FCC.
The importance of steps (b) and (c) is for the viewing data and how those data are harvested/analyzed. Step (d) is crucial because software developers monitor those message boards.
HTH.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Saoirse
As far as ala carte TV, I think they cable and satellite companies would make more money if they allows us to pick and choose! Just my humble opinion!
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It depends upon how a cable company fits into a corporation's bigger picture. Digital convergence remains the Holy Grail. Right now, the quest for convergence centers around content. Some cable companies are part of corporations that also own services (networks). So if, for example, you want ESPN, Disney is going to do its best to make sure your MSO also carries The Disney Channel.