Eddie K
@level3.net
1 edit | [CATV] RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone Anyone else notice the last few days that QAM access to most of the channels is now gone? Including a few locals? Is this temporary? Can anyone officially answer? If I can't get QAM channels, then goodbye RCN, back to comcast. | |
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djdanska
Premium,MVM
join:2001-04-21
Glen Ellyn, IL
clubs:
1 edit | Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone I noticed i lost fox, wciu, and tbs (both hd) and a few others too. I last scanned 2 days ago. I might rescan later to see if i get them back. I understood the tbs one but wciu and fox? | |
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rcbrcb
Premium
join:2007-02-21
Chicago, IL | Yep...I lost Fox, NBC, WCIU and a few others this weekend.... | |
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rcnman
Jason Nealis
Premium,VIP
join:2003-05-02
Herndon, VA | Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone I'm looking into it .. | |
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rcbrcb
Premium
join:2007-02-21
Chicago, IL | WGN HD as well | |
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Raz3000
join:2006-05-07
Chicago, IL | I will miss the idol premiere tonight on FoxHD 
Please get PBS and Fox up ASAP. | |
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| ESPN
join:2003-02-22
Allentown, PA
1 edit |  Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone
Does this include the locals? Are the locals also going to be encrypted?
I believe that the locals were to be clear, mandated by the FCC.
This does not surprise me as most of the big cable co's also encrypt MOST of everything. | |
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rcn_not_for_long
@level3.net
| With all due respect, this absolutely blows. Mind you, I am not talking about premium channels, I'm talking about broadcast local channels. It is absolute bull that you won't put the local channels in clearQAM. Even Comcast does this at the very least.
There is only one reason to not broadcast clearQAM - and that is to try and force people to rent more cable boxes. This is the sort of thing where the FCC needs to come down on all of your corporate greed in order to protect us.
Who's got a good recommendation for an OTA antenna? I'm done with RCN. | |
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| mjr
Premium
join:2003-09-18
Bethlehem, PA | What's the reasoning behind encrypting standard basic cable type stuff? Who are you trying to keep from getting them? Also, I believe FCC requires Locals be carried in the clear as other posters have mentioned. | |
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| | | mjr
Premium
join:2003-09-18
Bethlehem, PA | Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone Understood. Just not sure why the sudden change. Any word from the legal dept. on the locals? | |
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rcnman
Jason Nealis
Premium,VIP
join:2003-05-02
Herndon, VA | Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone I'm told that we will be un-encrypting locals until we finalize with the FCC on how to proceed. I don't believe this will be the HD versions though. | |
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| | | | | kcblack
Premium
join:2000-09-11
Chicago, IL
 ·RCN CABLE
| Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone What about MDU units Jason?
My Mothers building pays RCN a fee for service which includes all the channels in the expanded basic lineup?
She and others on the Condo Board are not happy.
Kevin
--
"Because we’ve invested over $4 billion in building our MegaBand network so you can enjoy the internet the way it was intended to be – fast and uncapped." (RCN marketing Promo) | |
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| | | chitown1839
join:2008-01-20
Chicago, IL
| The reason is obvious, we want to prevent people who steal cable from getting service. Cable Theft is a large problem for any provider.
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Operations and Internet Systems
RCN
***************
Jason:
RCN charges me for service and for a converter box. If I don't need the box (QAM tuner, box I bought off eBay etc.) am I stealing anything? RCN doesn't need to buy a box for me or maintain it, so RCN doesn't need a box fee. By encrypting the signal and forcing me to buy a box, RCN is essentially infecting me with a disease and then selling me the cure. I'd rather not have the disease in the first place. What am I missing here?
Steve | |
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tigrzeye
Control4 Certified Installer
join:2007-07-18
LHV, PA
| Just to be clear as I am in process of searching for replacements for 3 TVs that do not currently have a QAM tuner and would go "black" when Feb 2009 and digital arrives.
I was under the impression that, and have read it in many articles, that once signals go digital you need to have a QAM tuner in a tv to view digital signal tv channels. Not counting the HBO's, Cinemax's, and other pay to view channels, with a QAM tuner you would be able to view digital channels without the need of a cable box. They also report that it would be a mandate in TVs sold after a certain date that they contain a QAM tuner to be compliant with and receive digital signals.
Have we been lead down an expensive and worthless upgrade to QAM tuners in order to be in compliance for digital tv reception for no good reason??
And if so, sans having a "box" for each tv, would a cable card in a digital ready tv receive and display the encrypted digital signals?? | |
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| | mjr
Premium
join:2003-09-18
Bethlehem, PA
| Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone Sorry your impression was incorrect. ATSC has to do with digital tv reception. QAM has nothing to do with it.
This is all very complicated. I think if you go back through the articles, with your current understanding, you may find it reads slightly differently. Also, I wouldn't assume people who write articles know all the intricate details of what they write about. (Nor should you assume I do... But of course, I know everything...  )
A cable card in a digital ready TV with a cable card slot will decode the encrypted signals. If your TV's don't have the cable card slots you'll probably be out of luck for everything but the locals. | |
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tigrzeye
Control4 Certified Installer
join:2007-07-18
LHV, PA
| Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone I assume you were answering my post mjr.
I have always thought that having a QAM tuner assured you access to digital signals after the Feb. 2009 deadline.
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_tuner
This mentions cable as one of the services that a QAM/digital tuner will work with.
On reading further on Cnet.com they specifically tie a QAM and ATSC digital tuner to "over the air" digital signals and state that for cable ... you must get an STB (set top box)
»reviews.cnet.com/4520-7608_7-1016109-3.html
So we/I am back to the original dilema of having 3 tv's that will go black when RCN goes all digital and encrypts the signal. And it looks like no matter what tv or tuner I get my only resolve is to have a seperate STB for each tv. (if I want to be able to display 3 seperate programs on them)
And RCNMAN the cost for that is going to be what???
Last I remember it was $5.00 per month per box and that does not get you HD just digital signals. An HD box is more. More charges on top of an already costly service.
Cable must be licking it's chops at the new revenue created by digital tv signals.
Don't get me wrong. The 3 tv's that I considered replacing with tv's with QAM tuner are all in my bar area. I don't use them on a regular basis, only for parties or friends over to view a game or race. I DO NOT get digital channel programming on them now, just basic cable. And I really didn't want anything more for the areas they are in than basic cable. But now am I forced to upgrade in features and equipment just to be able to see basic cable on them??
RCNMAN answers please -
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| | | | mjr
Premium
join:2003-09-18
Bethlehem, PA
| Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone QAM is nowhere to be found on this page. QAM Does work with unencrypted cable (you know that.)
Everyone here seems to think Feb 2009 has something to do with cable. It really doesn't. That's the point I'm trying to make in thread after thread. I guess I'm not doing a very good job of it.
I'll say it again. QAM has nothing to do with Digital TV compliance as mandated by the FCC Feb 2009 deadline. This is the element of your post I was responding to.
Maybe you were misled by incorrect information, or you, like many many others misunderstood the information, but the FCC was never proposing QAM tuners to address the end of analog TV broadcasting. | |
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tigrzeye
Control4 Certified Installer
join:2007-07-18
LHV, PA
| Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone As you so eloquently point out I appear a bit dumb on this subject. Well maybe it is because it is a government mandate and an explanation there off. That usually confuses everything and leaves it open to interpretation.And yes YOU are correct nothing about the digital mandate set to happen on or before Feb. 2009 has to do with cable. Sorry to be so dumb!!
BUT.....
My point is cable is tv and I should be able to view as much, not in an encrypted format, as I was prior to the change over to digital. Basic cable channels should be available using a QAM tuner, »qamtuner.com/
Look I am not looking for anything free, or more than what I already have, but instead having a choice on how to receive digital tv without having to have multiple digital set top boxes all over the place and the cost that goes with them.
I just want a tv with a picture receiving basic cable channels by connecting a single cable to the wall. WHICH IS WHAT A QAM TUNER WAS DESIGNED TO DO. »qamtuner.com/
And I am not alone in my interpretation. I just had an acquaintance at dinner last night say the same thing. That he had read all you need is the QAM or digital tuner in a tv to continue getting cable without an STB. A coworker as well thought the same.
So I feel better that I am not the only dumb confused consumer!! | |
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| | | | | | mjr
Premium
join:2003-09-18
Bethlehem, PA | Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone Rent a cable card and you'll be all set. (You know that) | |
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tigrzeye
Control4 Certified Installer
join:2007-07-18
LHV, PA
1 edit | Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone Yes I know that, but how many currently available 20" - 37" inch tv's can you buy that accept cable cards? Not many! If any!
Having cable card capabilities on all tv's would be awesome and I would do that in the drop of a hat. But it isn't gonna happen. My Samsung 42" plasma purchased 2 years ago has a cable card slot, and since then cable card fitted tv's have all but dissappeared. QAM tuners were to be the heal all, for BASIC cable digital channels as well as over the air digital. So cable cards went by the wayside.
The only sets currently being sold with cable cards are high end sets generally 42" and larger. (If you know of any 20"-37" sets with cable card capabilities let me know, seriously!!)
Let RCN encrypt the non-basic digital channels, . but continue to provide BASIC cable channels (currently 2 - 97) in digital format, but not encrypted. We currently don't need an STB to view basic cable and really shouldn't need them going forward when there are tv's with the QAM tuner that can receive digital unencrypted cable channels/signals.
This ends my side of the discussion---
Thanks for your .... help. | |
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cdr1000
join:2004-02-18
10100 | Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone Just a few LCD TV sets with CableCard slot
Sharp LC-37D7U
Sharp LC-32D4U
Toshiba 32HL95
SHARP LC26D5U
Philips 32PF7320A
LG 37LP1D
LG 26LX1D
JVC LT-32X776
JVC LT-37X688 | |
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tigrzeye
Control4 Certified Installer
join:2007-07-18
LHV, PA
1 edit | Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone cdr1000
Thanks for the list but several seem to be discontinued. None appear available at CircuitCity or BestBuy (atleast by a quick google search)or other normal retail outlets. CNet reviews are good to pretty good, not outstanding.
Doesn't matter .. I don't need a tv with a QAM tuner or cable card slot anymore I went a different route already!!
But thanks for the time to make a list. | |
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tigrzeye
Control4 Certified Installer
join:2007-07-18
LHV, PA
| Re: RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone okay I said I was done commenting .. fat chance lol
I understand the law and that it applies to over the air reception.
My gripe is that with a QAM tuner you supercede the need for a converter box currently to view digital channel offerings from RCN. You also can receive basic cable channels 2-97 with a standard analogue tv tuner just cabled to the wall.
If you have a QAM digital tuner in your tv, you should still be able to receive the BASIC CABLE channels 2-97 without the need of a converter box. The other digital channels that are currently only available at additional charge, keep them that way by encrypting them.
If you want to secure the system by encrypting everything to prevent cable theft (I don't argue with this, theft is theft, not good) then provide the boxes needed for the honest, paying patrons FREE. I totally agree with CHITOWN1839.
Another thought...the main reason I have not looked at satellite tv is because every tv would require a seperate receiver. That difference is now soon to be gone. My boss and a co-worker both have had DirectTV for a couple years now and are getting many more HD channels than I am. Another has DishTV. That is 50% in my little circle of workers that do not have cable tv any longer.
This new procedure may backfire on RCN in the long haul!! | |
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machpost
join:2002-01-11
Washington, DC
1 edit | While it's nice that RCN has thusfar made so many clearQAM channels available, I've never thought of it as something that should be taken for granted. And there are lots of QAM channels on the system here in D.C. that have always been encrypted, primarily those channels 100 and up, pre- digital-analog simulcast, which have always been unavailable without a cable box. On the other hand, it's unfortunate that a number of people who are receiving these channels on TVs with QAM tuners are going to be left out in the cold. Knowing that RCN is one of the most consumer-friendly cable operators out there, I hope that a reasonable compromise can be reached. | |
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sonofEd
@rcn.com
| Many questions. Is part of the issue for RCN to reclaim bandwidth and the boxes also compress the signal?
Perhaps the compromise should be allowing consumers of RCN to BUY their own boxes. The DCT 700's are inexpensive.
I am curious how the condo related issues are worked out. My building already gets 1 free box per unit in our agreement. Does that mean we get an additional box for free?
Is there a rental fee reduction since I saw on RCN site a price of 14.95/month but I currently pay 17.95?
I like the idea of extra HD channels but I mean sooner or later HD will be a commodity. RCN should be thinking to the future to retain customers via new services that don't depend on forced rental fees. | |
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cypherstream
Looking forward to the future of things.
Premium,MVM
join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
clubs:
1 edit | I can see both sides of the argument.
1. If they encrypt EVERYTHING, and it's an all digital system, they can leave every single cable drop connected at the tap, removing the costs associated with performing hard disconnects. To get service all you would have to do is stop by the local office and pick up whatever boxes you need. If you have trouble you could schedule a service call. Or you could pay for installation, where the tech comes and hooks it up for you. Bottom line is, physical disconnects would no longer be necessary. A signal would be sent to turn off non-pay accounts or people leaving the service. The person could schedule a pickup, or drop the equipment off at the local office to avoid a huge fee for the value of said equipment.
2. Now this system really messes up customers who do not want a cable box, or do not have a cable card slot, and all they care about is local HD channels. I believe anything available via an OTA antenna in a cable companies service area should be unencrypted. I mean, you would get those channels with an antenna ANYWAY, so why bother encrypting it? You may now need to perform hard disconnects when users leave the service or forget to pay the bill, or you could still leave it intact, knowing ONLY the OTA channels are available. What does a company have to loose if ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and FOX are the only free to air channels on their system.
3. Or you could just keep 13 channels in analog and digital, altering the PSIP data for the digital format to align with the analog version. Ch 2 for instance would be analog, but 2-1 would be the same thing but digital (HD if available, with 2-2 being SD if available). Now the problem with this is truck rolls for disconnects are REQUIRED, and 12 * 6 MHz are waisted for analog signals. I'm not sure you would want to start at 54 MHz anyway. Perhaps one day an all digital system will shift to a mid-split or high-split return, freeing up precious bandwidth in the return path for future DOCSIS 3.0, telephony and interactive services.
The future is getting complicated. Who knows what's going to happen post 2009. Every MSO has their own discretionary policy's which further complicates the mater. What RCN does compared to Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Charter, etc... is unique. | |
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| kcblack
Premium
join:2000-09-11
Chicago, IL
·RCN CABLE
| Re: [CATV] RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone and don't forget the MDU environments where there should be NO need for any encryption or STBs since there is only ONE connection coming into the building and one payment to RCN...so no justification for the "disconnect" issue.
If they need to encrypt for the rest of the world, there should be a block decryption device in the MDU.
Kevin | |
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| | FBM
join:2002-07-25
Chicago, IL
| Re: [CATV] RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone said by kcblack  :and don't forget the MDU environments where there should be NO need for any encryption or STBs since there is only ONE connection coming into the building and one payment to RCN...so no justification for the "disconnect" issue. If they need to encrypt for the rest of the world, there should be a block decryption device in the MDU. Not so sure about that. I have lived in an apartment building where I could get one package that the building subscribed to, but if I wanted extra movie channels I had to upgrade and get a box. RCN would still want to require boxes because otherwise someone could just use a splitter and share their upgrades. | |
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| | | kcblack
Premium
join:2000-09-11
Chicago, IL
·RCN CABLE
| Re: [CATV] RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone don't have a problem if they want to do that for the premiums...and then a STB would be valid....but then again I don't consider the hallmark channel a premium....but my mother was forced to get a STB for one TV just so she could get it.
Esentially, unless it was for HBO, skinimax, showtime, etc, there should be no need in a MDU for a box...
Kevin | |
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Nucleotide
join:2005-02-22
Newton Highlands, MA
| I wonder if a compromise will involve CableCard ready STBs for sale commercially?
»www.multichannel.com/article/CA6433713.html
Buy such a box and then rent a CableCard from RCN for $1.50 per month. I know it still means more money per month for RCN, but at least there is more competition. Or maybe RCN should lower the cost of renting a basic STB. | |
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sonofEd
@rcn.com | They lowered the cost of the DVR's by $3 to 14.95. Not sure if this is temp promo deal or not | |
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soontocancelrcn
@rcn.com
| RCN:
So, let me get this straight. You wanted to prevent people from stealing cable so you're encrypting all the channels, including the local broadcasts in HD? That's probably the poorest excuse I've ever heard to make an extra buck.
Folks, what's really happening here is they're forcing cable box rentals on their consumers to milk an extra $10-$15 from their legitimate subscribers who are already paying $100+/mo. Moreover, they're timing the transition along with the analog cut-off so consumers likely won't know any better.
Don't let RCN reps fool you. If they were really after people who are steeling cable, they wouldn't be trying to milk their legitimate subscribers for more money.
Their days of milking consumers are numbered and they know it, which is why they're pulling out all the stops. With cable cards and the unbundling of cable networks and the desentralization of channels inevitably coming within the next few years, they're worried.
For now, they've lost me as a subscriber. I'll be switching to Comcast or Dish Network. | |
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jsolo1
Premium
join:2001-07-01
| Re: [CATV] RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone soontocancelrcn,
I wouldn't be so sure about comcast. I have a friend who keeps up to date on comcast happenings. He says eventually they too will encrypt the HD channels and you will need a cable box to decode.
--
Insanity is living in a state of disillusion. | |
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cdr1000
join:2004-02-18
10100 | What do you want a company man to tell you?
All basic HDTV channels are free off the air. | |
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GoodDoggie74
@globalcrossing.com
1 edit | So I have a stupid question. Can I just buy the boxes outright? Any thoughts?
Sign me a disgruntled 8 year RCN customer. | |
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Nucleotide
join:2005-02-22
Newton Highlands, MA
1 edit |
If RCN goes ahead with their plans to encrypt everything--in effect, require a cablecard or a STB to receive any signal whatsoever--then they will have to include at least a couple of those devices as part of their service plans. Otherwise, charging more for a mandatory piece of equipment is a blatant rate increase and will likely draw scrutiny from the local municipalities from whom they receive a license to operate. And it will potentially start a new kind of STB war in places where there is competition.
In the end, something will have to give. | |
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ossito16
join:2004-07-31
Whiting, IN
·RCN CABLE
| I have read all replies and rcn is just making the biggest mistake. I will be switching too. Time for me to try out the sat dish until uverse or fios rolls out to Rogers Park. I may keep the Internet, but really don't know at this point. Maybe it time to start reading books and get a rooftop atsc antenna. As long tv torrents exists I won't need pay RCN for cabletv box. | |
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jsolo1
Premium
join:2001-07-01
| Lets say I buy a tv tuner card for my pc. Ati has a model with multiple inputs - digital and analog.
If QAM is being blocked, what good is the digital input? Or would I be connecting the rabbit ears equivalent hdtv antenna for OTA channels. By the same token, what use then is the analog input if we're moving towards digitizing everything?
--
Insanity is living in a state of disillusion. | |
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| awbishop
join:2004-08-26
Chicago, IL
·RCN CABLE
| Re: [CATV] RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone jsolo, ATI also makes a decryption device that utilizes cable cards for the cable access. Currently you have to be an OEM to get your hands on them. They only work in Vista (as far as I know), but you get to use the pretty interface | |
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cdr1000
join:2004-02-18
10100
·RCN CABLE
| Inteset Serves Quad CableCARD Quad-Core Systems for the MCX Platform
Inteset, LLC has announced that its Denzel DTCD30-Si Media Server now supports four (4) internal CableCARD tuners. In addition, units sold with this configuration contain an Intel® Quad-Core processor needed to support simultaneous usage of the tuners.
»www.inteset.com/company/press/Ne···0-07.htm | |
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JimF
join:2003-06-15
Allentown, PA
1 edit | It will save me money. The only reason I get the extended service is so that I can record the QAM channels on my PC. I can drop back to basic service if they are encrypted, and use the money to buy DVDs. But RCN can charge anything they like. I am always surprised that some people are surprised that companies charge money for their services.
EDIT: The problem has been solved almost before it appeared. I really only watch and record the History Channel, Discovery Channel and the Travel Channel, along with some PBS. They are mostly available on Netflix for less than I am paying now. | |
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switchintodish
@kentlaw.edu
| What a bunch of bologna.
It's widely accepted among industry experts that cable operators are not and should not be permitted to redistribute OTA HD channels with encryption. See this article by endgadgetHD: »www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/23/th···digital/
While RCN claims that it can legally encrypt the OTA channels pursuant to an FCC regulation, the FCC regulation is in itself ambiguous and does not explicitly permit encryption. Of course, RCN maintains that it is in compliance so long as it distributes the local stations in standard definition.
I don't know what kind of monkeys are working in the backoffice legal department at RCN, but what's clear is that RCN is using unscrupulous tactics to squeeze an extra $20/mo from their subscribers for otherwise free OTA HD stations under a veal of "going all digital." This transition will be quite unpleasant for most of RCN's subscribers, or should I say, soon-to-be former subscribers.
Dish Network, here I come! | |
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| | | JimF
join:2003-06-15
Allentown, PA | Re: [CATV] RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone You then have to buy the whole PC to get the tuner. You might as well just lease RCN's set top box. The cure is worse than the disease. | |
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| JimF
join:2003-06-15
Allentown, PA
| said by switchintodish :It's widely accepted among industry experts that cable operators are not and should not be permitted to redistribute OTA HD channels with encryption. See this article by endgadgetHD: » www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/23/th···digital/ As Jason noted above, they will be providing the locals without encryption while they clarify this with the FCC. I expect that the FCC will tell them they must continue to be provided in the clear. But the article you cite says nothing about encryption anyway. | |
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rcbrcb
Premium
join:2007-02-21
Chicago, IL | JimF,
They are only providing the SD Version of locals in the clear...The HD Versions remain encrypted...Total BS as far as I am concerned....... | |
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retired25
@covad.net
| Re: [CATV] RCN Chicago - QAM channels gone So today all the channels are gone except a few local QAM channels I can imagine paying for boxes for my two tivos, and tv's located in guest bedrooms. I am glad the antenna on the roof is working great. Good Luck RCN! | |
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XYZ
@rcn.com
| Since QAM channels are gone here in Chicago I was wondering about Cable Cards (CC).
Basically, I only have expanded cable(No HD/Digital). If I get a CC for my TV's CC slot would I be able to see the non premium Digital and HD channels, without having to upgrade to another tier?
Thanks in advance | |
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See 6 replies to this post |
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goodbye_rcn
@level3.net
1 edit | So, I get back from my vacation on Friday, and I find ALL of the HD QAM channels gone.
By Saturday, I have restored my clear-QAM HD channels via Comcast. Yes, it was that quick.
Good day! | |
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