It's been a long time since I started a thread, so....
 
Has anyone looked into DSS, the DIgital Satellite System, that has been
developed for carrying the services called DirecTV, USSB, and various other
direct broadcast packages?  You may have seen ads for this by RCA, and
various other joint-venture partners that are involved in rolling these
services out nationwide.
 
DSS is an 18 inch satellite dish and set-top box combination. I understand
that it is fairly easy to install, and small enough to be portable.
 
DirecTV is a direct satellite broadcast service, which sells programming the
way a cable company does -- in multi-channel programming packages and various
pay-per-view arrangements.  DirecTV competes with USSB (U.S. Satellite
Broadcasting), except that USSB does not currently offer sports.
 
Here are some observations, gained from reading magazines and asking around:
 
1) The National Football League has become very interested in this
technology.  It offered via DirecTV "NFL Sunday Ticket" which let you buy the
right to watch _ALL_ NFL games for the entire year for $99.00 - $139.00.
This deal is supposed to be offered again in 1995 for a similar price.
 
2) DirecTV also offered a College Football Package this year, for $9.95 per
weekend or $49.95 for the entire season.
 
3) In the December '94 issue of _Satellite Direct_, it said that DirecTV was
about to close a deal with the NBA similar to the one with the NFL, and that
it hoped to do the same with the NHL sometime this season.
 
4) In the same place, it also said, "Also, DirecTV is expected soon to
complete its lineup for the regional sports channels.  _Satellite Direct_
will carry programming schedules for the regional sports channels when the
lineup becomes final."
 
I contacted DirecTV in December, and found out that a regional sports channel
package is being put together.  If such a package was offered, it would
probably be a bonanza for college hockey fans, and would make coverage by
ESPN/ESPN2 less of an issue.
 
BTW, the total price of a DSS system for your television is between $700 and
$1000 dollars and dropping.  Prices should get really competitive when RCA
loses exclusive manufacturing rights sometime in 1995.  Sony is apparently
waiting in the wings.
 
Does anyone have this system already?  Is anyone else thinking along these
lines?
 
Dave Aiello
Consultant
J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc.
New York