Reviews:
 ·Comcast
| QAM? So is comcast going to unencrypted QAM or what? do people with QAM tuners need to buy one of these? if so what's the point of a QAM tuner anymore? I sure hope this is going to be in the clear QAM which is what it should of been a long time ago! QAM sucks when 99% of the content is encrypted and all you get is locals unencrypted.... I can see encrypting stuff like HBO, showtime, cinemax, ppv all that stuff, but when you buy extended cable you should get all those channels digitally in the clear! |
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| There's a problem here. When they have different levels of service they can only put the video in the clear for the lowest level of service. So, with their video lifeline service being the lowest level, that means everything else has to be encrypted or else they have to put in traps to block those signals. That means truck rolls and trap failures down the road (more truck rolls) which is something they want to avoid.
So the only option they have is to force everyone to have a higher level of service (say Basic or Basic Extended) which they may not be able to do for the same cost. Which leaves them with little choice. That's where this new device comes in since it's much like an interdiction device since you will only be able to get the digital channels in your home that you are allowed to see. It's less confusing for the home user (no encrypted channels show up on their digital tuner) and less need for truck rolls for the cable company. |
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| reply to neufuse
IMHO, this is the real problem. I have no problem with Comcast moving to digital, but they're taking advantage of this to encrypt everything. There is absolutely no reason why they can't provide you with at least Expanded Basic in clear QAM.
And I'm sure they won't be selling you these boxes for $35; you'll be renting them for ~$5/month. |
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