Sinclair & TWC Negotiations Information

[zelig2]

I figured I needed to start a thread with my disgust for Sinclair Broadcast Group. Still no ABC or FOX on Time Warner. My house doesn't watch ABC or FOX at all in protest but I doubt that will really make a difference. I just can't stand watching the analog image that is shown. I remember before we were all talking about making a list of all the advertisers on ABC/FOX and sending them letters about how Sinclair refuses to let Time Warner people to watch their HD signal which advertisers are paying money. I think it's time to start kicking into high gear.

[lbostons]

Here is some interesting information about Sinclair Broadcast Group.
I really have not formed an opinion in either direction, probably b/c I have DirecTV (which will eventually have these locals in HD, maybe by 2006?) and an off-air antenna to pickup the digital signal. I cannot see not watching those channels though, NFL football and LOST I could not do without.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=582672&highlight=Sinclair

http://www.sbgi.net/misc/cable_resale_local_tv.pdf

[buckeye3d]

My theory is this...as soon as I break down and buy a OTA HD reciever Sinclair and TWC will work out an agreement the same week. I hate Sinclair.

[zelig2]

That's my theory as well. Did you see that Radio Shack is selling a HD Tuner for $89 now? None of the Columbus stores have it but it's availible online.

SBG's argument breaks down on the fact that they already give away their channel for free over the air(only because it's a federal law otherwise they'd find a way to charge the viewer).

[lbostons]

I know what you mean. WSYX and WTTE still are having there issues with video and audio drop outs too. It is usually not frequent but I know for the season premiere of LOST the audio and video cut out at least 4X for about a second each time. I do not know about you but I like to hear and see the WHOLE show.

[Scott]

Moved this to Time Warner section and renamed to help with indexing/search.

[dhausman]

Just want you to know that I feel your pain. I call Adpelphia every month here and complain about not having fox and abc in HD. Gurrr! The only thing I miss about living in Columbus is the HD with my $2 rabbit ears.

-Dan :cry:

[TvPat]

"We are going to get paid in the future for our signal"
Les Moonves
COO, Viacom

Full article at:
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001137572

I's say you better get used to it. It looks like CBS is about to play hardball, too.

[Scott]

Does anyone else find it ironic that on Sinclair's website (www.sbgi.com), they have a freaking huge banner right on the homepage that states "Proud Supporter of My Free HDTV!"

I also agree with TvPat--we'd probably better get used to it. The future of on demand/pay for what you watch in public broadcast isn't that far off...

[buckeye3d]

I'm just sick of this whole situation. I'd gladly pay a few bucks more per month to have ABC / FOX in HD. It sure beats the hell out of shelling out $250 for a OTA HD receiver to get the "free" signal.

[digitalfreak]

I just don't get it. How can they expect to charge cable companies for a signal they broadcast freely? Hell, TWC should just stick up a few antennas! :-) If only it were that simple.

[stevec999]

I fixed the problem with one of the close out $89 Radio Shack OTA boxes :D