[AdamJT13]

Originally Posted by kmd24

Incorrect. There have been HD games for two years on ST.

You're right. Last year was just the first year for both networks.

What are you talking about here? The major cost to D* for NFL ST is from the purchasing the license for the games from the NFL, not the networks. The networks are also paying the NFL for their packages.

Networks are providing HD coverage because of a federal mandate. Their broadcasts are provided FREE over the air and are paid for by advertising dollars, which is where the additional cost should be passed on, if anywhere. Why do you think there's such a stink about blackouts for locally broadcast games on D*? It's because local merchants are upset that they paid for spots that may not be seen because of the D* broadcast.

My evidence and some deduction leads me to believe that this is not coming from the networks - it's coming from the exorbitant contract that D* negotitated with the NFL. Maybe you have some proof that the networks are passing the cost on to D*?

[View Full Quote]I wold also add that HD ST channels ultimately will use only a small fraction of the available HD bandwidth. Aside from 17 Sunday afternoons a year, that bandwidth could be used (and will be used) for other purposes.

DirecTV pays to carry each network and each channel. You don't think that the cost of carrying Fox and CBS goes up as the networks add technology? DirecTV also has to develop its own technology for HD.

The person who pays for a luxury is actually disinclined to pay more for it down the road, particularly for unexpected costs that he presumed to be included in the purchase price. This person also expects to be treated as a valued customer, since the vendor is presumably making a higher margin on the products he buys.

I'd bet that people who buy luxury automobiles are much more likely to add on optional accessories than people who buy economy cars. But then, they probably whine about having to pay extra for gold-plated rims instead of getting them for free.

Bottom line, in offering the idea that the games for the past two seasons were provided for free, D* is asking the consumer for retroactive appreciation, which is a big no-no in marketing.

What marketing philosophy says that something that's free must remain free forever, no matter the cost to the supplier?