Oh EPIX Where Are You?

It is just a few hours away from the launch of the new movie service EPIX and there is still no signs that the channel will be carried by either satellite company.

While we knew that DirecTV wasn’t interested in the service at this time, there have been lots of rumblings that EPIX and Dish Network were close to a deal. As we roll closer to launch time it appears that Dish Network will not make it to the launch party.

About an hour ago I got my invite to use EpixHD.COM and I went through the site and saw lots of mentions of Verizon’s FiOS service but not a hint of anything to do with Dish Network.

I have said it before but will say it again, the addition of EPIX to the Dish Network lineup would enforce that Dish Network is the HD Movie leader. I have felt that Dish Networks dominance in the HD Movie Channel arena should be something that Dish promotes as its something that can help sell Dish Network. I feel that DirecTV is the HD Sports Leader, and Dish is the HD Movie Leader.

Hopefully soon Dish can come to an agreement with EPIX and start promoting themselves as the true HD Movie Leader that they are.

It now looks like the launch of EPIX might have all the excitement of the launch of BBC America HD… but unlike BBC America HD at least someone will be watching when it’s showtime tonight.

It’s Kind of Surprising

There is something that surprises me about this industry, and I was reminded of it just a few minutes ago when I was talking with an employee from one of the satellite companies.

I have been interfacing with satellite industry folks for close to 10 years now. And one of the strangest things that I find when talking with people that work for the satellite companies is that many of them don’t have satellite service in their homes.

The thought of this boggles my mind, how can people push and more importantly support and love a service when they don’t have the service itself.

For many of the folks I talk with they live in apartments, or if they are higher ups in the company they might have satellite service, but because they work so many hours they never have a chance to use the product they are promoting.

I find it amazing that for many company employees the only time they have seen or used their company’s product was in training classes. Maybe that explains why when you call for support sometimes the reps have no clue of what you are talking about.

For me having real world experience in using a product is a million times better then trying to learn a product off of some pre written scripts. I am kind of surprised that more people who work in the industry don’t have the product they sell.

For me the world of satellite is not just a job, it’s a passion. Even when I am not doing my work I still have the world of satellite on my mind. For me when I am home I still love tinkering with satellite stuff and enjoy testing new technologies. Maybe I am just strange… yeah I guess looking at the big picture I guess I am. But I must admit I am ok with that.

Have a good weekend everyone!