Reviews:
 ·Comcast
| reply to dcurrey
Re: Go digital said by dcurrey:I am sure they are. But I am positive they could still get the exact same channels as they did but they would be digital instead. Only thing is they now need a cable box to get them. And that would require paying rental on a digital box. It also causes problems when watching one show and taping another. Unless you pay for a TIVO device from the cable provider. And if you have multiple TV's then you have multiple boxes.
I am not about to give those slobs over at the cable company more money. When my cable bill begins exceeding my electric bill there is something seriously wrong with the cable system.
Forcing many to pay for technology that they don't want, don't need, and certainly cannot afford just so the few can enjoy their desires is simply not reasonable. If the few want their full share of digital then let them pay the cost.
Don't force me to get a digital box and pay for a digital box so you can enjoy your PFV movies. |
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 ronpinImagine Reality
join:2002-12-06
Nirvana
1 edit | "Headend up their tail-end" ...if they buy these chips instead of just giving away STB's to basic tier subs. |
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 MadMANNPremium
join:2005-08-19
kudos:2 | reply to raythompsontn
Re: Go digital Don't force me to get a digital box and pay for a digital box so you can enjoy your PFV movies.
It's going to happen sooner or later. Fortunately, the smaller set tops are very affordable. Your bill may go up $1. And you likely wouldn't have to pay for any extra channels that you don't currently receive or want. |
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| Hopefully it is much later. I am not sure where you are to get a set top box for $1. I am unable to determine exactly what Charter's prices are from their web site, but as I recall the last ad they mailed the digital level was about $5 more plus about $5 per receiver. It doesn't take very many TVs and recorders to drive the price up unacceptably at that rate. |
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PDXPLT
join:2003-12-04
Banks, OR | reply to raythompsontn
said by raythompsontn:Forcing many to pay for technology that they don't want, don't need, and certainly cannot afford just so the few can enjoy their desires is simply not reasonable. As far as the 1996 Telecomm Act is concerned, you're not forced to buy anything. Almost everyone has choices besides their cable provider. You have a choice of two satellite providers, both of which tend to be cheaper than cable. And/or you can put up an OTA antenna and receive free, over-the-air channels.
The Telecomm Act directed the FCC to adopt the OTARD Rule, which means that, in most cases, your local gov't, your homeowners' association, or your landlord can't prevent you from putting up that OTA antenna or satellite dish.
Now if you say that you can only get a few channels over the air, well, "cable channels" are private, subscription-based services; i.e., they're luxuries that you have no inherent "right" to receive. You have no right to get a Mercedes, either; you gotta pay. |
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MadMANNPremium
join:2005-08-19
kudos:2 | reply to raybrett
said by raybrett:Hopefully it is much later. I am not sure where you are to get a set top box for $1. I am unable to determine exactly what Charter's prices are from their web site, but as I recall the last ad they mailed the digital level was about $5 more plus about $5 per receiver. It doesn't take very many TVs and recorders to drive the price up unacceptably at that rate. I don't know about Charter. I know that other providers, Comcast in particular in digital simulcast areas, offer an all-digital set top box about the size of a cable modem. They offer an enhanced cable package in a lot of areas with said set top for $1 more than a standard analog cable package and it matches or exceeds the channel lineup with VOD included. Granted, prices will vary in different areas, but you get the idea.
When it comes time to get rid of analog altogether, I would wager that the price of cable be simplified to include the set top instead of breaking it down into price of programming and rental fees. Multiple rooms may differ, but keep in mind, the new converters are smaller and cheaper. The existing converters have digital and analog tuners and cost much more than the newer all digital boxes. People are naturally afraid of change, but I think this kind of change won't be as painful as people think. |
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