[mythtv-users] Hauppauge USB CableCard Tuner for $129!

[Raymond Wagner]

On Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:30:20 +0000, Gary Buhrmaster
<gary.buhrmaster at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 15:04, Dan Wilga
> <mythtv-users2 at dwilga-linux1.amherst.edu> wrote:
> ....
>> Try telling that to Apple and Nintendo. They very actively prevent
>> anyone from selling below retail. I'm not sure what loophole they
>> exploit to do it legally, but they do do it.
> 
> No loopholes required.  It is called "leverage".  No retailer is
> required to sell at any price (they could choose to use the
> product as a loss-leader).  However, no manufacturer is
> required to supply product to any retailer either.  You want
> Apple products, you will follow the rules that Apple has stated
> will get you future shipments.  This only works for the manufactures
> with "must have"/"no alternative" products, but Apple is among
> that rarefied number.

The opposite holds true for stuff like Walmart. They have such a large
grasp on the retail market, that many companies have no choice but to cede
to their requirements.  Don't follow their stipulations, you won't have
space on their shelves, and you lose access to 30-40% of the market.