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From: ken@wybbs.mi.org (Ken)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,sci.electronics
Subject: Cable Competition at Last!
Keywords: Direct Broadcast Coming Soon
Message-ID: <620@wybbs.mi.org>
Date: 24 Jan 91 01:06:25 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Consultants Connection,  Jenison MI
Lines: 44

This weeks Engineering times has an article on something I have been
waiting for a long time: Competition for the cable companies!!!
 
Starting this summer, a company called Sky Pix (Kent, WA) will be
selling a direct broadcast dish system for the home. Dishes have
been around for a long time, but check out these details:
 
   o The dish size in most of the US is 24 or 30 inches. East and West
     coasters may have to go to 36 inches.
 
   o The dish is a sealed unit that looks like a gooseneck desk lamp
     pointed at the sky. It is a window mount unit and will be aimed
     at Hughes SBS-6.
 
   o Initial capacity is 80 channels, expandable to 250 when future
     satellites are launched.
 
   o Dolby Stereo Sound, 480 lines resolution.
 
   o Pay per View prices: $1-$2 for older films, $3-$4 for new releases.
 
   o Basic service will include typical basic cable channels and will
     be priced at $10-$13 a month.
 
   o Videotape inhibit circuit will prevent home taping unless premium
     charge is paid.
 
   o The unit will be available at Macys, Wards, Dayton Hudson, etc.
 
Except for the last item, I think it's about time TCI and the others had
some competition. Since they own many of the basic cable channels, I'll
bet they'll fight tooth and nail to keep from supplying Sky Pix. Still,
the competition will be great for the consumer. Europe has had similar
systems for a while now (BSB and Sky), but they had a very limited
number of channels (around 6, I think).
 
Sales should start in the spring with full promotions in the summer.
Considering that Sky Pix is half of what the local cable channel charges
for "basic" non-service, they should do very well.

-- 
Ken Jongsma                                  ken@wybbs.mi.org
Smiths Industries                            ken%wybbs@sharkey.umich.edu
Grand Rapids, Michigan                       ..sharkey.cc.umich.edu!wybbs!ken