Nathan W. Ho

Now, I’m not a real conspiracy nut - although I can come up with a few if you really want to have some fun talking - but there are times when things become so OBVIOUS it’s kind of like a slap in the face.  

I’m talking about things like gas mileage on cars.  I mean, seriously - my 1985 Subaru got better gas mileage than all but the best of the current hybrids, people!  Any idiot who falls for all those the dumb TV commercials about how great the new cars are with gas mileage deserves the loss of money when they buy one.  It’s sadly apparent that most marketing groups think that the general public is made up of idiots!

However, I want to bring up something new (at least to me):  TV advertisement audio levels for non-HD television.

I’m not a major fan of cable OR satellite TV - and although I do enjoy the network and paid tv channels that I receive (for a very high price).  Overall, common sense dictates that you use whichever one is:

1. Cheapest (or that you can afford within your budget)
2. Gives you the features that you NEED

I think not…

So what do I think?  I’m guessing that the tv providers are trying to come up with not-so-subtle ways (audio and video degredation, small pauses and hiccups at random moments, etc) to “encourage” people to make the move to purchasing HD services and equipment.

I mean - if you have any form of non-broadcast TV (ie cable or satellite), then you’ve seen the commercials touting all the new HD content available.  And if you visit any store with technology available, it’s all about HD content and how awesome it is…

SO - what do YOU think?  Am I (and my sister) just imagining things and jumping at shadows (or loud audio commercials)?  Or do you agree that there is something not-so-sneaky going on with tv providers?