I listen to NPR (National Public Radio) on my commute in. This morning, they had an article on today being the day that all TV stations are to start sending out digital signals. Obviously, we aren't there yet and that was part of the focus of the segment.
They talked with what they called an early adopter who had an HT room in his basement, and the fact he had a room for theater/TV seemed to slightly shock the journalist. That portion of the segment was pointing out that even though this person had spent a considerable amount of money to enjoy HDTV, there was very little programming to watch at this time, even though every station in the country is now supposed to sending out a digital signal. The journalist did go as far as to point out that many of the stations broadcasting digital are stepping down the signal (reducing quality) and are complying with the letter of the law, but not the spirit of the law.
Two industry representatives were also interviewed, one from the Washington, DC area who's main point was that out of about 2 million homes in that area, less than 1,500 were set up to receive HD broadcasts. Where did he get that number? A second rep from Washington state said that there is no "added value" for him in the digital market, HD or not. Added value? This is a federal law! That comment really ticked me off. The broadcast industry isn't even trying to hide the fact that they aren't complying because it hurts their profit margin. Bastards.
Anyway, the segment ended with the early adopter showing the interviewer a portion of U-571 (the depth-charge scene) to show off his 5.1 surround system with tactile transducers on the chairs. You could hear the soundtrack quite well in the background with the interviewers voice-over above it.
If you are interested in hearing it, NPR repeats these segments 3-4 times a day. A couple of times in the mornings and a couple on their afternoon/evening drivetime show.
David - HTGuide flunky
Our "Theater"
Our DVDs on DVD Tracker
They talked with what they called an early adopter who had an HT room in his basement, and the fact he had a room for theater/TV seemed to slightly shock the journalist. That portion of the segment was pointing out that even though this person had spent a considerable amount of money to enjoy HDTV, there was very little programming to watch at this time, even though every station in the country is now supposed to sending out a digital signal. The journalist did go as far as to point out that many of the stations broadcasting digital are stepping down the signal (reducing quality) and are complying with the letter of the law, but not the spirit of the law.
Two industry representatives were also interviewed, one from the Washington, DC area who's main point was that out of about 2 million homes in that area, less than 1,500 were set up to receive HD broadcasts. Where did he get that number? A second rep from Washington state said that there is no "added value" for him in the digital market, HD or not. Added value? This is a federal law! That comment really ticked me off. The broadcast industry isn't even trying to hide the fact that they aren't complying because it hurts their profit margin. Bastards.
Anyway, the segment ended with the early adopter showing the interviewer a portion of U-571 (the depth-charge scene) to show off his 5.1 surround system with tactile transducers on the chairs. You could hear the soundtrack quite well in the background with the interviewers voice-over above it.
If you are interested in hearing it, NPR repeats these segments 3-4 times a day. A couple of times in the mornings and a couple on their afternoon/evening drivetime show.
David - HTGuide flunky
Our "Theater"
Our DVDs on DVD Tracker
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