Before you buy a HDTV...

Tazz T

...be aware that there could be other costs in enjoying that Hi-def piccie, if the UK is anything to go by.

Altho many in the UK have already splashed out on a nice HD plasma or LCD, it seems that they weren't aware that TV companies will be charging for the service. In the case of Sky, you have to pay 299 sterling for a new set-top box to recieve the service in addition to an extra tenner a month on top of your current subcription.

It's highly likely we'll see similar charges here certainly in the short-term. So before you buy a HDTV, it's worth considering whether yiou want to pay extra for the service as well as your posh new telly.

godtabh

Tazz T wrote:

...be aware that there could be other costs in enjoying that Hi-def piccie, if the UK is anything to go by.

Altho many in the UK have already splashed out on a nice HD plasma or LCD, it seems that they weren't aware that TV companies will be charging for the service. In the case of Sky, you have to pay 299 sterling for a new set-top box to recieve the service in addition to an extra tenner a month on top of your current subcription.

It's highly likely we'll see similar charges here certainly in the short-term. So before you buy a HDTV, it's worth considering whether yiou want to pay extra for the service as well as your posh new telly.

Not being a smart arse but wasn’t all of the above fairly obvious?

Tazz T

I wasn't aware. Neither was many of the people in the UK who rushed out to be HD sets thinking that was all to it.

mossym

Tazz T wrote:

It's highly likely we'll see similar charges here certainly in the short-term. So before you buy a HDTV, it's worth considering whether yiou want to pay extra for the service as well as your posh new telly.

it's not highly likely, it's fact. Sky have been charging for their high def box since it's release, both here and in the UK.

But anyone who thought they were going to get hd for free is out of touch. At this stage, especially here, hd is in early adoption stages. it's not a mass released service, only a few offering it. it's significantly more overhead than standard definition bandwidth wise, especially for satellite providers. Did these people you mention expect the broadcast companies to eat the cost with no charge to the customer? I hardly think so.

if the service was free, and peoiple bought the tv's assuming it was going to stay that way, and then charges were iontroduced, then i'd have some pity. But buying before it is available, then complaining because it is not what they wanted??? investing in hardware for any new technology is a risk.

beleive me, if a companies costs go up, those costs are going to be handed down to the customer

godtabh

You pay for everything these. Sure the standard TV you have to pay for unless you get free to air. Unless this is what the OP is on about. Sky is comerical and will always charge. Free to Air stuff is a different story I think