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Digital TV subsidy program nearly dry: get your vouchers now

by Darren Murph posted Jan 5th 2009 at 2:15PM


When the FCC's Kevin Martin asserted that the 2009 digital TV transition subsidy program was nearing the end of its financial rope back in October, no one really paid him any mind. After all, this ain't the FCC's gig. Now, however, an AP report on the topic is confirming the fears, noting that the NTIA itself is "warning that unless lawmakers step in quickly with more funding or new accounting rules, it will have to create a waiting list for coupon requests." Should this occur, new vouchers would only be sent out once previously mailed vouchers expired without being used. As of now, only $68.2 million of the $1.34 billion set aside for this program remains free, and after February 17th comes and goes, you can bet the interest will skyrocket. Moral of the story? Get your request in now if you're in need (check here to see if you are).

[Via ShellyPalmerMedia]

Update: The well is dry! Yikes!

Comcast blows off FCC inquisition, could face fines

by Darren Murph posted Nov 20th 2008 at 11:27AM


Tsk, tsk. It seems that Comcast has all the time in the world to investigate just how high it should push cable rates, but not a moment to really sit down and answer questions from the FCC. Okay, so maybe that's a touch harsh, but it's really not far from the truth. It's stated that Comcast provided an "inadequate response" to a recent FCC request for "information on cable company policies as they switch to digital signals." As you could likely guess, Comcast isn't the only guilty party, but chairman Kevin Martin did pick on Comcast's "narrative" of a reply. Comcast alleges that fully completing the request would've required 1,500 man hours, and while we don't doubt the legitimacy of such a claim, we'd still probably think twice before pushing back a half-hearted response to the almighty Federal Communications Commission.

[Image courtesy of JournalGroup]

Price still swaying decisions of HDTV buyers

by Darren Murph posted Mar 27th 2008 at 12:19PM


This day and age, consumers are a lot more willing to fork out thousands of dollars to bring home a swank HDTV than in years past, but that being said, price is still a primary concern even for those with deep pockets. According to new research from iSuppli, it found that over 63-percent of respondents making between $100,000 and $149,000 per year cited price as a "main determining factor when buying a TV." Curiously, it still found that 40-percent of buyers were heading to (generally overpriced) brick-and-mortar outlets in order to pick up their set (versus 23-percent buying at discount stores like Costco and 18-percent purchasing online). As an aside, the surveyors found that consumers saw Best Buy as having the best customer service (um, really?), while fledgling Circuit City was ranked even lower than Wal-Mart. Still, we maintain that B&M locales are great for scoping out which set you desire, but we'd certainly glance around online before paying a premium for getting it nearby.

[Via New York Times, image courtesy of StarTribune]

Mojo Money Night promises more finance-based programming in 2008

by Darren Murph posted Nov 13th 2007 at 8:57AM


Those who felt strangely compelled to watch Wall Street Warriors religiously will be stoked to hear of Mojo's plans for the new year. Apparently, the male-centric channel will be devoting Thursday nights to finance-based offerings, and aside from the return of the aforementioned program, we'll also be treated to two new shows. The block, which will aptly be dubbed Mojo Money Night, will feature Bobby G: Adventure Capitalist -- a show focusing on the life of a capital management investor -- and Junkies, a new series all about "serial entrepreneurs." The action gets going on January 24th of next year, so we'd go on and pencil in a reminder in that perpetually crammed planner of yours.

[Image courtesy of Mojo]

News Corp thinks you'll pay $30 per flick for on demand HD

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 2nd 2006 at 2:50PM

MoneyThat was the gist of a presentation by News Corp president Peter Chernin Tuesday. He said that consumers with high priced home theater systems would be "desperate consumers" of such offerings. Apparently his plan calls for "rental" releases via cable and satellite 60 days after they hit theaters. They think this could create new market for "home premieres" between the theatrical release and typical DVD windows.

So wait, you want me to see the movie in the theater, download it, then buy it on DVD? So instead of producing better movies that people want to come out and see, the movie industry just plans on consumers being willing to pay to see the same movie overandoverandover.....sounds like TNT's weekend lineup.

This plan seems really bad, Philip Swann at TV Predictions doesn't sound too enthused and neither does Henning at HDBlog. Are we all missing the point and there is actually a huge market for this or do you think it will crash and burn?

[Via digg]




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