He's right in that it is like the shift from B&W to colour.
He's also correct in that there is a cost to shift to HD content (the
sets, makeup, etc approach movie quality detail, something that does not
necessarily happen in SD content), HD equipment, re-training, and so on.
He is probably right in that HD won't generate more business, when
every broadcaster has it, how would it? I don't know, but I can
acknowledge his comment(s) on it.
Where he is wrong is that cable subscribers should start paying for
his service. CBC, CTV, Global, CityTV and a few others, are mandated
to have over-the-air service. The service should also be available in
most parts of Canada. I believe you can freely re-transmit the
over-the-air signals as well, without having to pay them.
If any of those TV stations feel that they cannot provide the service,
as their CRTC agreements require them to, then move aside and let
someone else do it.
For Mr. Rabinovich specifically, if you cannot get "your" company
to do it, step down, let someone else take over.
But to sit and whine that you have to follow the industry, well,
to me that's just a disservice to us, the taxpayers paying you to
make it work, and doesn't make me confident in Mr. Rabinovich's
abilities.
ers
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