OT: What's up with Network TV?

[Rich Grise]

Why is it that with all the technology and stuff, competing networks
insist on putting good shows right on top of each other, instead of
finding time slots when everybody isn't buying the competition?

23 hours of crap, and one hour when you get to pick between the
only shows that are worth bothering to watch? (which means, of course,
that you can't see the other show, unless you're a very clever channel-
surfer, or have multiple video paraphernalia?)

Thanks,
Rich

 

[Active8]

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 05:57:08 GMT, Rich Grise wrote:

Why is it that with all the technology and stuff, competing networks
insist on putting good shows right on top of each other, instead of
finding time slots when everybody isn't buying the competition?

23 hours of crap, and one hour when you get to pick between the
only shows that are worth bothering to watch? (which means, of course,
that you can't see the other show, unless you're a very clever channel-
surfer, or have multiple video paraphernalia?)

Thanks,
Rich

It's called ad revenue.
--
Best Regards,
Mike

 

[John Larkin]

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 07:25:07 -0700, Jim Thompson
<thegreatone@example.com> wrote:

On Thu, 4 Nov 2004 06:55:17 -0500, Active8 <reply2group@ndbbm.net
wrote:

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 05:57:08 GMT, Rich Grise wrote:

Why is it that with all the technology and stuff, competing networks
insist on putting good shows right on top of each other, instead of
finding time slots when everybody isn't buying the competition?

23 hours of crap, and one hour when you get to pick between the
only shows that are worth bothering to watch? (which means, of course,
that you can't see the other show, unless you're a very clever channel-
surfer, or have multiple video paraphernalia?)

Thanks,
Rich

It's called ad revenue.

What's worth watching on TV?

...Jim Thompson

Masterpiece Theater, and sometimes Mystery. And the occasional
documentary on the Hitler Channel.

John

 

[John Larkin]

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 09:51:55 -0700, Jim Thompson
<thegreatone@example.com> wrote:

What's worth watching on TV?

...Jim Thompson


Masterpiece Theater, and sometimes Mystery. And the occasional
documentary on the Hitler Channel.

John


_Occasionally_ PBS runs something worth watching, although, anymore,
it seems that the only time they run good stuff is during "gimme
week".

"Occasionally" is right. Our PBS station spent all their money on a
huge fancy office/studio which is mostly cold and empty, so they can't
afford programming. They run stupid stuff like the S&G Concert in the
Park, and the Heart of Glass infomercial, and *stupid* British
sitcoms, over and over.

I presume you mean "History" Channel ?

Oh, yeah, they do call it that.

John

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

Glenn Gundlach wrote:

[snip]

TiVo or VCR or video capture for your computer.

Enjoy it while it lasts. Digital TV is supposed to implement a
protection flag that will prohibit recording. You have until the end of
this year to buy a DTV
tuner (or tuner card) without this feature.

Of course, analog VCRs will work as long as your digital tuner has
analog outputs.

BTW, haven't they always tried to do that?

Of course. Its not about maximizing viewable hours. The advertising
dollars are fixed, so watching one hour from network 'A' isn't the same
as watching one hour from 'A', one from 'B', etc. The same dollars just
get spread thinner.

--
Paul Hovnanian mailtoaul@Hovnanian.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
If the first attempt at making a drawing board had been a failure,
what would they go back to?

 

[Jim Thompson]

On 5 Nov 2004 01:29:37 -0800, jeffm_@email.com (JeffM) wrote:

[snip]

To watch David Spader act weird and keep a straight face: Boston Legal
[snip]

My wife gets all hostile with me because I find Spader funny.

...Jim Thompson
--
| James E.Thompson, P.E. | mens |
| Analog Innovations, Inc. | et |
| Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus |
| Phoenix, Arizona Voice480)460-2350 | |
| E-mail Address at Website Fax480)460-2142 | Brass Rat |
| http://www.analog-innovations.com | 1962 |

I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.

 

[Keith Williams]

In article <u5nko05se9f33irs1p7hki8e7u4576is6c@4ax.com>,
thegreatone@example.com says...

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 08:25:20 -0800, John Larkin
jjlarkin@highlandSNIPtechTHISnologyPLEASE.com> wrote:

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 07:25:07 -0700, Jim Thompson
thegreatone@example.com> wrote:

On Thu, 4 Nov 2004 06:55:17 -0500, Active8 <reply2group@ndbbm.net
wrote:

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 05:57:08 GMT, Rich Grise wrote:

Why is it that with all the technology and stuff, competing networks
insist on putting good shows right on top of each other, instead of
finding time slots when everybody isn't buying the competition?

23 hours of crap, and one hour when you get to pick between the
only shows that are worth bothering to watch? (which means, of course,
that you can't see the other show, unless you're a very clever channel-
surfer, or have multiple video paraphernalia?)

Thanks,
Rich

It's called ad revenue.

What's worth watching on TV?

...Jim Thompson


Masterpiece Theater, and sometimes Mystery. And the occasional
documentary on the Hitler Channel.

John


_Occasionally_ PBS runs something worth watching, although, anymore,
it seems that the only time they run good stuff is during "gimme
week".

I presume you mean "History" Channel ?

I also, sometimes, enjoy Oliver North's "War Stories".

I watch THC quite a bit (of the TV I watch). "Mail Call" is a hoot.

--
Keith

 

[Ken Smith]

In article <sseko0d7cs2iiuf5bdpdofqnt5f454t2kk@4ax.com>,
Jim Thompson <thegreatone@example.com> wrote:
[...]

What's worth watching on TV?

About 5 hours a week's worth:

The Daily Show
Nova
Nature
Re-runs of Red Dwarf
Re-runs of Yes Minister


--
--
kensmith@rahul.net forging knowledge

 

[John Larkin]

On Fri, 5 Nov 2004 16:05:07 +0000 (UTC), kensmith@green.rahul.net (Ken
Smith) wrote:

In article <sseko0d7cs2iiuf5bdpdofqnt5f454t2kk@4ax.com>,
Jim Thompson <thegreatone@example.com> wrote:
[...]
What's worth watching on TV?

About 5 hours a week's worth:

The Daily Show
Nova
Nature
Re-runs of Red Dwarf
Re-runs of Yes Minister

Don Lancaster wrote a book about the secrets of starting and running a
successful business. As I recall, his first two rules were something
like

Buy a good pair of diagonal cutters

Cut off the power cord of your television.

John

 

[Rich Grise]

On Fri, 05 Nov 2004 01:29:37 -0800, JeffM wrote:

To watch David Spader act weird and keep a straight face: Boston Legal

It's James Spader. And yes, I love that character! You might be
thinking of David Spade, that weird little comedianoid who plays
"Finch" on "Just Shoot Me."

Cheers!
Rich

 

[Clarence]

"JeffM" <jeffm_@email.com> wrote in message
news:f8b945bc.0411050129.3241d3e0@posting.google.com...

What's worth watching on TV?
Jim Thompson

To see how it would be done
if there was a guy with a brain in the White House: The West Wing

Ha-Ha! I always thought his show was a comedy, they do every think wrong and
it all comes out okay in the end! Sure!!!

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

JeffM wrote:

TiVo or VCR or video capture for your computer
Glenn Gundlach

Enjoy it while it lasts. Digital TV is supposed to implement a
protection flag that will prohibit recording. You have until the end of
this year to buy a DTV tuner (or tuner card) without this feature.
Paul Hovnanian

Mostly correct.
It's called the Broadcast Flag and the magic date is July 1, 2005
(unless god sees fit to hit Michael Powell with a bolt of lightning before then).
http://www.eff.org/broadcastflag

That's what I was thinking of. I just haven't been keeping close track,
other than reading warnings to pick up my DTV card before the drop dead
date if I want to build a Linux-based video controller. Its possible
that the card manufacturers will begin manufacturing compliant cards
before 7/05 and the stock of existing units might run out before then.
That might be where the warning to buy before the end of the year came
from.

Since its not difficult to implement a DTV demodulator with a decent DSP
chip, will the supply of this sort of components have to be restricted,
lest they fall into the hands of someone who might build a non compliant
tuner? I can see the day when the MPAA will just restrict the sale of
all electronic components to hobbyists on the chance that they might try
to bypass DRM with them.

--
Paul Hovnanian mailtoaul@Hovnanian.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
ASCII stupid question, get a stupid ANSI!

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

Jim Thompson wrote:

[snip]

What's worth watching on TV?

I like the WWF, Jerry Springer and the McLaughlin Group. But sometimes I
can't tell them apart.

;-)

--
Paul Hovnanian mailtoaul@Hovnanian.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: This publication is the sole property of monkey #108765
and his typewriter. It does not represent the opinions of any other
primate, either alive or dead, or any descendants thereof.

 

[JeffM]

Broadcast Flag...July 1, 2005
JeffM

...warnings to pick up my DTV card before the drop dead date
if I want to build a Linux-based video controller. Its possible
that the card manufacturers will begin manufacturing compliant cards
before 7/05 and the stock of existing units might run out before then.
Paul Hovnanian

I've already read reports of demand exceeding supply (in October 2004).
My hope is that the manufacturers defy Michael Powell
and continue to manufacture non-compliant video cards.
It seems to be outside the FCC's purview
to specify what can be done with a signal after it is broadcast and received
--and that is the intent of DRM.
Of course, with the present SCOTUS
and what direction it will take in the next 4 years,
that could be a difficult case.

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

JeffM wrote:

Broadcast Flag...July 1, 2005
JeffM

...warnings to pick up my DTV card before the drop dead date
if I want to build a Linux-based video controller. Its possible
that the card manufacturers will begin manufacturing compliant cards
before 7/05 and the stock of existing units might run out before then.
Paul Hovnanian

I've already read reports of demand exceeding supply (in October 2004).
My hope is that the manufacturers defy Michael Powell
and continue to manufacture non-compliant video cards.
It seems to be outside the FCC's purview
to specify what can be done with a signal after it is broadcast and received
--and that is the intent of DRM.
Of course, with the present SCOTUS
and what direction it will take in the next 4 years,
that could be a difficult case.

I'm not going to sweat the problem. Its not difficult to demodulate a
DTV signal with decent DSP hardware. Although this isn't something that
will satisfy the average PC user market, it might be a fun project. And
then watch the fun when the design gets posted somewhere on the 'net.
;-)

In fact, from an anti-piracy point of view, DRM on DTV signals seems to
be a loosing proposition. It would only take a very small group of
electronics/software geeks building their own receivers to feed a
substantial file sharing network.

--
Paul Hovnanian mailtoaul@Hovnanian.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are going to try cross-country skiing,
start with a small country.

 

[Dan Fraser]

Makes me even happier that I gave up watching TV in 2003.

 

[JeffM]

To watch David Spader act weird and keep a straight face: Boston Legal
JeffM

It's James Spader...
You might be thinking of David Spade..."Finch" on "Just Shoot Me."
Rich Grise

You're right both times.

 

[JeffM]

demodulate a DTV signal with decent DSP hardware....
then watch the fun when the design gets posted somewhere on the 'net. ;-)

In fact, from an anti-piracy point of view, DRM on DTV signals seems to
be a loosing proposition. It would only take a very small group of
electronics/software geeks building their own receivers to feed a
substantial file sharing network.
Paul Hovnanian

Paul, I like the way you think.
DRM? It's like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
The old business model is toast.
If the buggy whip manufacturers don't get into the game soon,
there won't even be crumbs for them. Hell, it's probably too late already.

Makes me think of the Palestinian rejection of partition in '48.



I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has problems with *lose* and *loose*.
My Mama has problems with *applause* and *applesauce*.

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

JeffM wrote:

demodulate a DTV signal with decent DSP hardware....
then watch the fun when the design gets posted somewhere on the 'net. ;-)

In fact, from an anti-piracy point of view, DRM on DTV signals seems to
be a loosing proposition. It would only take a very small group of
electronics/software geeks building their own receivers to feed a
substantial file sharing network.
Paul Hovnanian

Paul, I like the way you think.
DRM? It's like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
The old business model is toast.
If the buggy whip manufacturers don't get into the game soon,
there won't even be crumbs for them. Hell, it's probably too late already.

The funniest part of the broadcast flag requirements is that, if a
compliant tuner determines that it is connected to a 'non-secure' output
device (via analog or unencrypted digital), the tuner must down convert
the program resolution to 480 line resolution. In case the studios
haven't realized it yet, 480 lines is the resolution of today's (NTSC)
DVDs. So, if I was a pirate, I'd have to spend money on a down
conversion solution anyway. So, they just made my job easier.

It has been demonstrated that the market for pirate product can easily
be satisfied with low quality product (camcorders slipped into theaters,
etc.). In other words, there is very little market share in people
willing to buy pirated product but unwilling to buy low quality product.
In fact, allowing the copying of digital content will make detection of
digital watermarks in content placed on file sharing services much
easier. If the digital content goes through a digital to analog to
digital conversion before being posted, embedded digital signatures are
lost and every posted file must be examined manually.

--
Paul Hovnanian mailtoaul@Hovnanian.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
Experience is the worst teacher. It always gives the test
first and the instruction afterward.

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

JeffM wrote:

[snip]

Makes me think of the Palestinian rejection of partition in '48.

Why? The European Jews fought to get back property confiscated by the
Nazis and their descendants are still winning cases for its return
today. Aboriginal rights have been upheld in many countries, resulting
in compensation or the return of land confiscated hundreds of years ago.
Since the genocide of the Palestinians has failed (Israel has admitted
that they can't suppress Palestinian population growth within their
borders) so it is guaranteed that their descendants will survive to
reclaim their homeland.

--
Paul Hovnanian mailtoaul@Hovnanian.com
------------------------------------------------------------------
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