Only 259,000 CableCARDs in Use > can't wait for the next version

can't wait for the next version

Instead of paying a monthly fee for a cableco STB, you still get charged a monthly fee for CableCards too!

the same price??

Nope the fees (mandated?) for CableCards are far lower than for SBs.
I can't recall my exact fee but I pay Cablevision something like $1.35 p.m. for my CC.

reply to morbo
CableCard per month fees vary. In some states, they're free for the first one and a fee for the second one. When a fee is charged, it's typically between $1.50 and $7 per month plus a $17 to $30 one-time installation fee (sometimes per card).

reply to morbo
While *you* may see it that way, a lot of folks apparently do not, for a variety of reasons:

1. CableCARD compatibility at the TV level is expensive, as the compatibility is traditionally in higher-end and larger TV sets (42 inches and larger, typically; though two Sony LCD models of 26 and 32 inches *used* to sport CableCARD compatibility, both were replaced with non-compliant models due to slow sales). People buy based on price *first*.

2. For the majority of TV purchasers, CableCARD is *not* a deal-breaker (or deal-maker, for that matter). In my case, last year, it was; however, I was far from typical in that regard.

3. The price difference between CableCARD and the STB lease fee, even in areas where the CableCARD is given away, is usually no *better* than $5/month (in the case of a HD, but non-DVR, STB). For most cable households, $5/month is not seen as significant for a single TV (or two).

reply to justbits
They get you coming OR going.

reply to morbo
A stupid set top box that has an EPG, On Demand capabilities, program information, DVR functions, interactive features and CableCards don't. Yep, progress alright

I think Cable Cards are stupid. Both of my HDTVs have Cable Card slots and they’re just Sony Grand Wegas, nothing fancy, not even part of the XBR or SXRD product series. Just a 42” Wega and a 55” Wega. Hell before I got the 42” I had a 34” Sony CRT HDTV for a week, and it even had a Cable Card slot. The TV was too heavy and big to do anything with so I returned it for the 42”

Here, Time Warner just dropped the price of Cable Card rentals from $3.00 to $2.70. They don’t ‘hide’ it on their website. Go to twrochester.com, hover over ‘Products’ and choose ‘Digital Cable’ and it’s right there. Individual TW franchise websites are all based on the same template which can be found at timewarnercable.com/model and all should have the same basic layout.

And furthermore, if cable companies lose money on CableCard rentals as opposed to box rentals, why would they want to be so forthcoming about it? This isn’t some fantasy world, cable companies are in business to make money, and if they can make more money off of one item the other, why be so forthcoming about it. It’s business. Best Buy promotes the 70” Sony SXRD that costs $6K or $7K more then that little 13” Magnavox kitchen TV, gee I wonder why?

For me there is no comparison, $2.70 for a Cable Card of $7.95 for a cable box, it has to be a cable box. I wouldn’t use a Cable Card in any situation. The EPG is worth it alone. Both of my HDTVs have HD DVRs connected to them. You have no idea how many times I’m over at other peoples houses who have analog cable and I reach for the remote to press Info or to go to the guide, or even pause. I’ve been using DVRs since 2001 and have no plan to ever stop.

I say screw the Cable Card. I’d rather have Sony spend the money to give me an extra HDMI input, but no that’s too useful. They have to waste their money on this garbage technology.
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Time Warner Cable Subscriber
Digital Cable & Road Runner Premium
252 Channels, HD DVR & 15/1 Broadband