Letter to the Editor

Flaws in digital TV

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

To the Editor:

DIGITAL FLAWS:

Digital signals only extend a few miles from the broadcast tower. And weather conditions can shut them off, also daylight hours often do the same. Converters are used to convert digital signals for analog TVs. However, they are only effective with strong channels. With weak channels they are useless. Analog signals have been known to reach over a hundred miles. Is the technology of the 20th century better than today? I think not, my own intuition is that digital signals are designed to not reach outlying areas so those living there would have to buy into a satellite provider. For it's all about profits not people.

EXPLOITATION:

To those who have bought into a satellite list or cable, you probably have selected the lower price list. What you may have noticed is that they often take the most popular and better channels to a higher price list. This is to entice you to pay even more for TV services. For it's not about us but profits for those who operate the system. We are nothing more that merchandise. We have no say or recourse, they dictate everything.

A few years back it was discussed on TV whether a certain channel would be included in the new cable contract. The announcer asked everyone who likes this channel to call in and let them know. I thought at the time, do not call in. If they think a lot of people likes this channel, they will intentionally remove it and place it in a higher price package. And they have.

I receive advertisements frequently, featuring special prices on TV offers. They all have incentives, such as discounts on the first year, but they all arrive virtually at the same price. There seems to be no competition between them. Apparently they are all together on this and have a consistence to keep prices the same. Thinking there is no other option for subscribers.

STATUS QUO:

To be fooled or deceived is an embarrassment to anyone. I am reminded of a saying that has been around for decades, see if you fit in it or not: " You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but not all of the people all of the time."

When this disaster was forthcoming, where was our elected officials? I know of no one who opposed it. Are they only concerned with lobbyist and special interest groups? While our politicians were asleep at the wheel, this gang took over one of our greatest assets without firing a shot. Those who give this a pass should be replaced with noble patriotic leaders who are more loyal to their country than their party

Joe J. DePriest

Poplar Bluff, Mo.