Bell ExpressVu mulls `free' HDTV

  • Thread starter Thread starter kingsford90
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So it's pretty much like this: Like British TV's "FreeView". You buy their equipment and you can get a bunch of limited OTA broadcasts every month for free.

The idea is like McDonald's "Dollar Value Menus". McDonald's doesn't any make money from it (it's actually a loss leader), but they use it as a plot to lure you into their store in the hopes you'll buy more; FreeView will lead to subscription packages.

Now if you want to "stick it" to Bell ExpressVu, you'll buy (or rent their equipment) and get the free channels and sub to nothing more.

But if the broadcasters get OTA carriage fees, the concept is dead in the water.

This idea intrigues me. But what it would have to be to get me to bite is this: No contract when I buy their receivers. Is this do-able?

http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=434043
 
Bell ExpressVu;s former president was an executive for BskyB, and this freeview is something utilized in the UK, so - not neccessarily new in terms of industry. Even if it is a marketing play at some point, it would be free broadcast of ota signals..how can you argue or see through it. Company provides a service for the cost of a hardware box (out right or rental?). Does it not cost those that buy ota attena's money - and arent they horrid looking? everyone is so cynical...
 
If BEV declares some of the hidef channels to be free, they will make it harder for themselves to fight the FTA business...
 
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