Is digital broadcast TV the new old-school cable TV - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Frank Gannucci · 06-11-2018, 10:35 PM

Way back in 1983, cable systems carried around 36 channels. In 2018 in some markets thanks to the digital transiston, the amount of broadcast channels can be as much as 50. But, there are some markets like mine that only have 29.

My how times have changed.

Dude111 · 06-15-2018, 04:25 PM

Ya and gotton much worse

bgva · 06-16-2018, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Gannucci

Way back in 1983, cable systems carried around 36 channels. In 2018 in some markets thanks to the digital transiston, the amount of broadcast channels can be as much as 50. But, there are some markets like mine that only have 29.

My how times have changed.

I've thought this as well. I'd say it's comparable, and maybe digital streaming is similar to having premium channels, since those shows have nudity and language.

AMackII · 05-05-2022, 03:39 PM

Yes, the Diginets having been doing the variety stuff in recent years that most Cable TV channels once did all the time back in the day(Pre-Binge Era).

Chocolate Moose · 05-06-2022, 10:52 AM

in ye olden days, cable didn't have commercials!!!

GentlemanJim · 05-06-2022, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Gannucci

Way back in 1983, cable systems carried around 36 channels. In 2018 in some markets thanks to the digital transiston, the amount of broadcast channels can be as much as 50. But, there are some markets like mine that only have 29.

My how times have changed.

Diginet has certainly brought broadcast TV a long way. They are the only way I can get METV, COZI, Comet, and THIS in my local market. If you add to that the Antenna TV and Laff TV that they offer, the overall package is way better than what you had to settle for over the air just a few years ago.

And here locally there are a ton of other over-the-air channels (I think we get like 56 all together including the major networks).....but many of them are ads-only or evangelical TV that I have little use for.

I'd say that if I didn't already have cable service just to get my broadband, I could be happy with just the diginets......certainly a lot happier that I would have been with broadcast-only, 12+ yeas ago

GentlemanJim · 05-06-2022, 11:21 AM

The main drawbacks of the diginet business model is that you will almost never find a group of stations offering all or most of their channels in full 1080 high definition. There is a strong tendency for broadcasters to drop their flagship 1080 offerings to 720p and in so doing create bandwidth in order to carry the sub channels at 480.

Which IMO, is unfortunate. I guess it's a matter of economics-driven opportunity., SINCE IT CAN BE DONE, then IT MUST BE DONE...etc

06-11-2018, 10:35 PM	#1
Frank Gannucci Member Forum Star Join Date: Mar 05, 2007 Posts: 15,988	Is digital broadcast TV the new old-school cable TV Way back in 1983, cable systems carried around 36 channels. In 2018 in some markets thanks to the digital transiston, the amount of broadcast channels can be as much as 50. But, there are some markets like mine that only have 29. My how times have changed.

05-06-2022, 10:52 AM	#5
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,888	in ye olden days, cable didn't have commercials!!!
	__________________ How long a minute is, depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.

06-15-2018, 04:25 PM	#2
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 35,906	Ya and gotton much worse

05-05-2022, 03:39 PM	#4
AMackII Member Forum Star Join Date: Oct 23, 2015 Location: St. Louis Posts: 17,214	Yes, the Diginets having been doing the variety stuff in recent years that most Cable TV channels once did all the time back in the day(Pre-Binge Era).

05-06-2022, 11:21 AM	#7
GentlemanJim Concerns, Support, & Feedback Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 26, 2019 Location: The back country Posts: 5,443	The main drawbacks of the diginet business model is that you will almost never find a group of stations offering all or most of their channels in full 1080 high definition. There is a strong tendency for broadcasters to drop their flagship 1080 offerings to 720p and in so doing create bandwidth in order to carry the sub channels at 480. Which IMO, is unfortunate. I guess it's a matter of economics-driven opportunity., SINCE IT CAN BE DONE, then IT MUST BE DONE...etc