USDTV Announces Low-Cost, Localized Digital TV

pagercam2 writes "According to a CNN story, USDTV is about to roll out a new digital TV service, the difference being that it doesn't use cable or a satellite. They stream the DigitalTV signals on currently idle frequencies to standard UHF/VHF antennas. The service includes 35 channels, including local stations as well as many of the basic cable (Disney, Discovery, ESPN, TLC, FOOD...) with more to come. $19.95/mo is the price point for a basic service, though '...customers must buy a $99.95 set-top device to decode the channels.' Initially to be rolled out in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and Albuquerque, could USDTV keep prices low and still support local content since they have no cable network to maintain, and no satellites to launch?"

Comments

Terrrestrial digital TV isn't new here

[Lurker McLurker]

We've had this in the UK for a while now. The company providing the service went bust, and now it runs as a free service (though you have to buy equipment, which would be included in your cable or sattelite package), with a combination of BBC Channels and channels with advertising. There is also a new service which allows you to add subscription channels.