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TV: Now What?

commonsware.com

131–140 of 168 posts

Re: TV: Now What?

#131

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't think anyone is saying that. Just because an extreme version of an idea is way too much, doesn't mean the more moderate versions are without merit.

What is a non extreme version of not letting content producers distribute thier own content and where do you draw the line?

Line would be drawn at operating a distribution business for profit. That wouldn't prevent you from putting your own stuff on your own website.

Other ideas in this vein include things like requiring non-discrimantory licensing agreements (no "netflix" only licenses)

Re: TV: Now What?

#132

Earlier quoted context omitted.

While perhaps a nominal iteration of improvement, cable was this way too. You didn’t have to have the $100 /month service package. There was always the $30 /mo basic cable (no guide box). The industry simply recycling its business model in new delivery methods is a valid complaint/perception.

Mind boggling that someone can compare the utility to cost ratio of cable/satellite TV requiring contracts and installations to on demand libraries of near unlimited content with instant sign up and cancel abilities on every device. Exact opposite of a “nominal iteration”.

There is on paper and in practice. Yes, streaming has a ton of content… you still watch a handful of things because there is far more noise than signal.

Re: TV: Now What?

#133

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Personal archival isn't exempt anymore, that dropped some years ago. The only archival exemption now is for "qualifying institutions".

You have a source on that? I can't find anything - so as far as I can tell you're just spreading misinformation.

I mean just read through the link above. You'll find no exemption for personal use when it involves bypassing DRM. Which I don't think any DVD or blu-ray anymore lacks.

I'm also reasonably sure that "3. Proposed Class 6: Audiovisual Works—Space-Shifting" in the above link would cover personal archival and that was explicitly rejected.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still all for it, but it's not permitted anymore like it used to be.

Re: TV: Now What?

#134

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Mind boggling that someone can compare the utility to cost ratio of cable/satellite TV requiring contracts and installations to on demand libraries of near unlimited content with instant sign up and cancel abilities on every device. Exact opposite of a “nominal iteration”.

There is on paper and in practice. Yes, streaming has a ton of content… you still watch a handful of things because there is far more noise than signal.

The noise is far easier to avoid since I have on demand access to exactly what I want to watch when and where I want to watch it. The situation is objectively much better than it was during cable/satellite TV days.

Re: TV: Now What?

#135

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You are a power user. Less savvy people can’t or won’t figure this out

Really? Only power users can search on an iPhone and click on a link and go to the TV app or is it only power users who know how to subscribe and cancel a subscription? And only power users search Google for “Orange is the New Black” and click on “How to Watch”?

yes, switching between Netflix and Disney plus actually is difficult. usually, people just give up to use it.

Re: TV: Now What?

#136
post #129

So hear me out, I have this crazy idea. For all the people who can't afford OTT services like hbo and Netflix and prime and apple tv, how about we remove all the excess IP overhead and send the mp4 over broadcast RF using a band like 700mhz from local hills or if need be make towers. We can pay by watching ads or something. I mean sure, call me crazy, imagine everyone having to watch the news and movie at the same ti…

Last year, I puzzled over how to watch my local sports team of choice and got mired in questions about streaming services and local blackouts and licensing. Then I bought a ten dollar antenna for my TV.

Re: TV: Now What?

#137

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Proposing something is one thing and having the final laws and regulations ready for you to dissect are another. Is it not possible to say 'this is a good idea' without having it taken to the most extreme possible point and then required to split hairs over hypotheticals? Are you arguing for a consumer first perspective or an ideological one? Because if you care about consumers you are not approaching dialog in any w…

I am simply saying that you come up with a proposal where the government tells content producers that they can’t distribute the content they create on their own website and where do you think is a reasonable place to draw the line on content? Should the government also set mandatory licensing requirements for content and the amounts? Should the government force Disney to license a $100 million to produce marvel movie…

[deleted]

Re: TV: Now What?

#138

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But! With cable, if you didn't buy the upper tier packages, you may have missed out on some great shows/networks (e.g., HBO). And cable companies often use contracts to make downgrading expensive. With streaming services, cancelling after you've binge watch the shows you're interested in comes with no penalty.

> cancelling after you've binge watch the shows you're interested in comes with no penalty. ...for now. We'll certainly see these kinds of shenanigans before too much longer. Take ads. They're creeping in to paid subscriptions now - despite the fact that an allure of online streaming is that you can pay not to see them. Where there's the possibility of a revenue play, it will happen eventually.

There’s a ceiling on how much pain they can put people through. Too much, and it’s back to piracy. That’s the difference now. Back in the cable days people didn’t have that option.

Re: TV: Now What?

#139
post #129

So hear me out, I have this crazy idea. For all the people who can't afford OTT services like hbo and Netflix and prime and apple tv, how about we remove all the excess IP overhead and send the mp4 over broadcast RF using a band like 700mhz from local hills or if need be make towers. We can pay by watching ads or something. I mean sure, call me crazy, imagine everyone having to watch the news and movie at the same ti…

Last year, I puzzled over how to watch my local sports team of choice and got mired in questions about streaming services and local blackouts and licensing. Then I bought a ten dollar antenna for my TV.

I have line of sight to the Brisbane transmitters across the river such that I think I may have an attenuator on the antenna feeds.

I actually miss broadcast TV social norms. It was crap but we all talked about it. First release movies from last year at Christmas and a non stop feed of Hollywood B reels. Daytime soaps!

Re: TV: Now What?

#140

Granted, we're kind of Luddites, but my wife and I were going home from a social gathering, where some people were talking about the latest TV shows. My wife said to me: "I was embarrassed to admit it, but I don't know how to watch TV any more."

You made me realize that I grew up without cable and not having some or all the streaming services is basically the same. It doesn’t matter too much.
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