Two Parties Vie for Bankrupt USDTV Assets (cable and satellite wins again)

TV technology ^ | 2006-07-14 | TV technology

[Lokibob]

 

Two Parties Vie for Bankrupt USDTV Assets (cable and satellite wins again)

At least two broadcast-related interests are negotiating to secure the assets of USDTV, the two-year old innovative "wireless cable" firm propelled by local broadcasters that filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on July 6 in Delaware (Petition 06-10701-BLS).

USDTV CEO Steve Lindsley said the maverick start-up, which sought to provide a modest, terrestrially delivered DTV service for $20 monthly, had gleaned a total of about 16,000 subscribers in its four initial markets: Dallas-Ft. Worth, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City (its based of operations).

(rest of article details the lawyers etc, and the business models)

[Lokibob]

I guess it was too much to expect to pay $29 a month for a select few cable channels.

I got my receiver 1 1/2 years ago for $20 at wal mart. I can still use it to receive HD signals and convert them to analig tv.

USDTV is still on the air, but who knows how much longer.

[Lokibob]

oops, that was $20/ month, NOT $29/month.

[HAL9000]

had gleaned a total of about 16,000 subscribers in its four initial markets: Dallas-Ft. Worth, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City (its based of operations).

They made a fundamental error going into markets that are already built-out. They would have had more success in an underserved area, charging a higher price.