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Old 01-04-2016, 11:24   #775
Chris
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Re: The future for linear TV channels

Quote:
Originally Posted by OLD BOY View Post
As far as the viewer is concerned, broadcast TV has no advantages over streaming services.

You have stated that there are issues relating to energy and bandwidth, but you seem to think that these problems cannot be resolved, despite the fact that the industry are actively working on these problems to overcome them. Ways have already been found to mitigate some of the problem and frankly it is inconceivable that the remainder will not be sorted out over the next few years. If the bulk of your argument is based on this and you are holding to it, what can I do but advise you to 'watch this space'. Mankind has had to deal with bigger problems!

In terms of the viewer experience, you cite 'ease of access'. However, as TV boxes become more user friendly, it will become just as easy to access the streaming service you want as it is to access the EPG. The time lag to get into the streaming service now (particularly appalling on the current version of Tivo) will be eradicated, so that one press of the button will get you the EPG, the Netflix menu, the BBC i-Player menu or whatever without delay, from which you choose your programme.

If you are so tired (practically comatose by all accounts)that you cannot function sufficiently to make a choice, just press OK on the first thing that comes up! It's the main choice that is highlighted on Netflix, so the chances are you will at least be looking at something good (if you are conscious enough to follow it, of course!).

All the figures show that SVOD is attracting a bigger and bigger audience. My only question to you is, assuming that this trend continues and the energy and bandwidth issues are overcome, how long will the broadcast channels be able to survive with diminishing revenues from advertising? If they begin a fight back against the streaming services, how will this play out? What initiatives can the broadcast channels take?

Unless you have answers to those questions, and particularly if the licence fee becomes an optional subscription in about 10 years' time, then if as I strongly suspect, that the infrastructure issues are resolved, your argument that broadcast channels will survive forever is stuffed.
You see, this is why your argument is mince. It's built on a pile of assumptions, despite the evidence being to the contrary. You have invited me to assume all my arguments are untrue and then deny your case. Pardon me but as arguments go that's pretty hare-brained.

And no, the BBC won't go subscription in 10 years. It's a mass-audience broadcaster and if the licence fee is withdrawn it will revert to advertising, exactly the same as the other state owned broadcaster (Channel 4), and the other two PSB operators (ITV and Channel 5). There is no commercial reason to lock a free-to-air channel network whose business model is based on mass audience penetration behind a paywall.
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