Talk me out of Satellite & HDTV? (part 2)

[Bob_Skurka]

Duc, I've got Voom and I had not heard about them going down, but I plan to look into it. As far as risk, it only cost me $1 to get their system installed so if they collapse, I figure I've already gotten my $1 worth of TV out of them.

EDIT: OK here is some news I just dug up, looks like Voom will be spun into EchoStar systems. Shares of Cablevision Systems jumped 13.2% and hit new highs Friday as investors and analysts cheered Thursday's news that the company is selling key assets of money-losing satellite TV operation Voom to EchoStar Communications for $200 million. EchoStar is the owner of DISH Network, it appears from the articles I just dug up in a quick search, DISH will simply operate VOOM and meld it into their system as they can. Looks like a simple company merger, customers will still get service.

 

[PineRidge]

Andy I remember in an earlier post that you said your family didn't watch a lot of TV. Well I found this new remote and just couldn't help but immediately think of you. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ducati996]

I feel bad Bob telling you this but its better you get as much warning as possible....I would contact DTV or Dish for some quotes and packages....
They mention selling to Echostar but its assets (satellites) but the programming is not carrying over

Newsday

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Duc, your correct about some of the programming not carrying over, but the vast majority of what Voom offers is also offered by Dish and DirecTV. I guess I don't see any real issue. It looks to me like some of the bizarre channels that Voom provides will be lost, but I don't watch those anyway. All the normal stuff will carry over. I suspect the price will go up if I switch to Dish and get their HD package. I know it will go up if I switch to DirecTV and add their HD, and they offer far less HD too. But from what I can see, VOOM customers will automatically become DISH Network customers.


EDIT: Voom will let EchoStar transmit more HDTV programming, says Oppenheimer analyst Thomas Eagan. Satellite firms EchoStar and DirecTV (NYSETV - News) are battling cable TV firms to be the leader in offering HDTV fare, he says. With Voom, EchoStar will catch up to DirecTV in HD capability, says Eagan.

In September, DirecTV revealed plans to dramatically expand local and HD programs by the end of 2007. DirecTV plans to launch four satellites to provide the bandwidth needed to expand HD channels.

Voom's cost had been a drag on Cablevision's stock, which fell 42% from February to August 2004.

In the Voom deal, EchoStar will buy rights to 11 direct broadcast satellite frequencies. It will also acquire Voom's ground facilities and other assets at its Black Hawk, S.D., facilities.