Cablevision to shut down Voom HD network in U.S.

While this comes as no surprise, it still is interesting. Why? Voom was originally a separate service specifically for the high-end consumer at the time. A "just HD" standalone, Voom was ahead of it's time. Now that HD is in demand, Cablevision and others can provide HD programing without the need for a seperate service. There is competition, and the niche for this type of product no longer exists.

Cablevision stock rose $0.10 on the news
Cablevision to shut down Voom HD network in U.S.

Preparedness for DTV transition still lacking

This seem incredible to me. From CED Magazine comes a report that although 90% of Americans are aware of the transition to digital in February, 25% believe that they must switch to cable or satellite by that time. While some may be surprised by the latter, I am more impressed with the first statistic. Is it really possible that someone, who actually watches TV, has not seen or read ANYTHING on the transition? I personally have been bombarded with 15 or so messages a day that I'm aware of.

The 2nd statistic saddens me. Cable providers have been using the transition as an opportunity to sell service by frightening consumers. They are not the only ones to blame - I'm talkin' to you, sat providers! The government is spending big on educating the public; perhaps they should be spending some of it preventing these dirty trick ads.

Startup thwarted from providing free broadband

The Washington Post reports that a startup called M2Z Networks has been trying to create a means to blanket the nation with free broadband. Finally nearing the end of a 3-year struggle to implement the plan, they were thwarted by opposition including wireless carriers and the Bush Administration. Apparently, the Democrats are trying to delay a planed vote by the FCC on remaining spectrum until the new administration takes control. The theory being that Obama actually uses technology and presumably understands how it would value our country.
Startup banks on making money from free broadband - washingtonpost.com

3G netbook? At RADIO SHACK?!?

Yep, you heard right. And not some schlocky no-name either - we're talkn' Acer Aspire One for under $100. What's the catch? You need to sign up for two years of wireless service with AT&T, at $60 per month. Still, a great deal (particularly if you need the service anyway). According to RCR Wireless,

"The device is Acer’s Aspire One netbook that includes an 8.9-inch screen, 1 gigabyte of random access memory and a 160 gigabyte hard drive in a package that weighs less than two and a half pounds. The computer also features Wi-Fi connectivity to go along with its built-in, wide-area network capabilities tuned to AT&T Mobility’s 3G network."

AT&T Mobility would not comment on who or how much money was involved in the subsidy.

3G netbook arrives at RadioShack for $100 - RCR Wireless News

Last trip in 2008?

The year is winding down and as I pack for Indiana (3rd time this year), I realize that this could very well be the last one for 2008, at least for business. Travel is tiring, and I'll be very happy to stay put for awhile. Of course, if it's too long, that old itch will return just like always; a siren song calling me out, saying: "we miss you! BBQ awaits!"