Comcast's $35 Digital Conversion Dongle > Reap the Goverment whirlwind

Reap the Goverment whirlwind

Not exactly. The gov coupons specifically exclude QAM capable boxes - which means the boxes won't work on cable, just OTA broadcasts.

Now theoretically a cable co could simply receive the OTA signal and put it down their wires in same format, but it would be a huge waste of bandwidth and thus they don't do that.

but i bet those boxes are QAM capable just disabled in firmware to meet the government's requirements.

with a simple software change manufacturers could sell the same box to cablecos.

sounds like a win/win for everyone.

Or sell it as a paid firmware upgrade, possibly reimbursed by cable companies in exchange for contract from consumer.