Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? in RCN http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20497503 en Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:48:39 EDT Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:48:39 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20653592 jhlmsln : BYE !

jhl]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20653592 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:09:21 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20653441 billymac :
said by anon1 :

You sure know how to toot your own horn Dworsky, but aside from that do have any reason you cant change providers if this is so bothersome?, I would.
Some complexes will be locked into RCN and not have a southerly view. Not everyone has a choice, other than cable or no cable.

Even with this change, RCN would still be the cheapest for me, which I'm sure they are aware. I jumped ship only due to the encryption of the local HD channels. I personally think the move to all digital is for the best, but it would have been nice if they left more in the clear. I still recommend RCN to people if they plan to rent cable boxes as I think they have a better offering than Comcast and on par with FIOS (except the Internet if you want max speed, but it's close on the download side)

For them to encrypt something that can be picked up with a standard antenna is ridiculous. I'm paying more to FiOS so that I can record local HD broadcast on my HD HomeRun without fighting reception issues with an antenna. (Ok, so I can't get it with a basic antenna, but still. I just couldn't find a sweet spot, there was always one that dropped in and out.)

For the record, Verizon is handling the box per TV a little better. Every customer can get a few DCT700's for free, no matter their current subscription. These are trimmed down boxes but no less functional than what an analog TV without a box was. They even gave me the deal when I called the day after install with the analogs already turned off in my area. They use the tag "making 100% digital 100% easy," or something similar when you call. RCN should try to make it 100% easy.

Billy

PS I'm still paying for RCN until Wednesday for anyone that wants to yell at me for still hanging around after switching. I'm still a customer dangit! :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20653441 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:39:12 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20653337 anon : You sure know how to toot your own horn Dworsky, but aside from that do have any reason you cant change providers if this is so bothersome?, I would.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20653337 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:13:08 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20650815 clock :
said by salvenus See Profile :

If I have a TV with a cable card slot, then I do not need a converter box. I can use the card slot to get HD content?
Yes, if your tv has a CableCARD slot, then all you need to do is call RCN to request one. You will get all the channels you currently get w/ a converter box. The only thing you will not get is On-Demand and PPV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20650815 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:48:18 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20650778 salvenus : Am I reading this correctly?
»www.rcn.com/cabletv/converter-boxes/

If I have a TV with a cable card slot, then I do not need a converter box. I can use the card slot to get HD content?

sal]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20650778 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:42:48 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20649722 dworsky : Be sure to see the Boston Globe story about RCN converting to all digital here, on DSL's news page:

»RCN dropping analog channels]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20649722 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:35:46 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20623861 anon : Hey Mike, check this out, it may provide a little more info.

'»[CATV] Official Boston area digital conversion Thread']]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20623861 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:24:14 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20618979 anon :
said by Paul_Brookline :

It was clear that the customer "service" reps (including the "supervisor" had not the faintest clue about basic aspects of the service sold by their company. To them, terms such as "encryption", "digital", "analog", QAM or "tuner" are just meaningless sounds. The tech support people are no better. I try not to get too frustrated with them, but it doesn't say anything good about RCN's management or employee training.
FWIW, the only person at RCN I talked to who seemed to have any clue whatsoever was the agent in the cancellations department. Who successfully talked me out of canceling. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20618979 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:41:36 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20614394 anon : Edgar,
Yeah, that's what I've gathered from what people have said here. I think I wrote that line to reiterate that RCN hasn't told me that themselves, so if I hadn't read the messages in this forum it would be a complete surprise to me when it happened. :(

I think I'm also going to look into getting an antenna, but that won't help me with the cable channels I've enjoyed watching in the past.

I just finished putting together a MythTV box which was working pretty well with the analog tuner I put in it. I've got a few more kinks to work out, and I was going to get a pcHDTV card for it. (I probably still will, it will work if I switch to some other service that has QAM in the clear, or with an antenna)

Mike]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20614394 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:48:45 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20613933 dworsky : >>Their ads on TV (the couple I haven't skipped over) only imply that you'll need their box for a digital signal, not that the analog signal is going away.


Mike,

The analog signals *are* going away on RCN here, and it is going to be a very expensive proposition for you to hook up HD boxes (if you want HD). Their transition is supposed be complete by January 2009.

Edgar]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20613933 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:55:20 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20612630 anon : Paul,
I found this forum when I searched to find out why my clear QAM channels in Waltham, MA disappeared about a week ago.

This is the 1st I'm hearing about "Analog Crush" and if it means what I think it means, I'm pretty annoyed.

I've liked RCN as an alternative to Comcast and Verizon and it was things such as having those clear QAM signals that improved my opinion, and made me decide to sign a 2 year contract with them this past November.

However when I signed the contract I was very clear that I didn't care about the digital box they were giving me (I haven't ever used it, although I plugged it in), and that I must continue to be able to hook my cable signal directly to my 3 DVRs (2 HD panasonics and 1 DVD recorder) and 3 TV's and use their tuners.

I bought the DVD-recorder specifically because it had an ATSC tuner that also supported clear QAM, and so I might have been willing get more clear QAM tuners (one of my TV's already has a QAM tuner).

However if they remove the analog signals and encrypt the QAM signals so I can no longer directly record the channels I watch most often (SciFi, USA, Disney, and the networks) I think I'll have to consider that RCN has broken our contract, and see if I can get better service from someone else.

I have been getting a lot of flyers in the mail for Verizon FIOS.

Anyway I haven't yet received any notice from RCN that I'm going to lose my analog signal. Their ads on TV (the couple I haven't skipped over) only imply that you'll need their box for a digital signal, not that the analog signal is going away.

Mike]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20612630 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:49:32 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20603354 nycityny :
said by dworsky See Profile :

I too was thinking about getting an HD Tivo box and then only renting a cablecard for $1.50 from RCN. But I don't want to pay Tivo monthly fee.
Yes, the monthly fee can be much. You can, however, prepay 3 years for $299 which amounts to $8.31/month. With the cablecard of $1.50/month you end up paying less than $10/month (plus the cost of the TIVO itself) for a high quality HD DVR with better functionality and reliability than a cable box. I have used TIVO for about 3 years and have never lost a recording. I have heard of several folks with cable losing all their recordings on firmware updates or reboots.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20603354 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:24:11 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20602849 dworsky : Paul,

Someone has already posted the number for you. You will notice that that site has been updated with Massachusetts info (previously that was for Chicago only).

I too was thinking about getting an HD Tivo box and then only renting a cablecard for $1.50 from RCN. But I don't want to pay Tivo monthly fee. Apparently you can use their unit as a mere cable box, but the dvr function is completely gone.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20602849 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:41:13 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20602099 rcbrcb : Paul, Those are all typical answers from RCN. The # for Boston can be found here:

»www.rcn.com/digital/index.php

The good news is that RCN conversion to digital does nto include plans for SDV! Even if they decide at a later date to insert SDV, the Dongle from TiVo to allow their HD TiVos to work with SDV is in Beta Testing now and will be out sometime in Q4 2008....I made the switch when they converted here in Chicago and couldnt be happier with the TiVo products.....and I only have to pay RCN 4.50 per month total for the 3 CableCards I needed for the three HD TiVos I have........]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20602099 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:26:40 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20602044 anon :
said by dworsky See Profile :

After calling the new 781 number for Analog Crush which actually connects you to Chicago, I was told I could have the first conventional box free, additional ones for $2.95 a month, and have them mailed to me (since I have no boxes currently). I was told that HD boxes had to be installed with a serviceperson at a cost of $49, and were $9.95. I was invited to go to Arlington to pick up both, if I wanted.
Edgar -

Where did you find the 781 number? Everything but the area code was deleted on the RCN message posted on the forum.

Are they really providing an HD box for 9.95/month? I was quoted $12.95, with no discount available in several frustrating conversations with RCN customer "service", who told me that:

- Boston is not being converted, nothing has changed.

- Digital channels were never available in the clear.

- There must be something wrong with my TV

- RCN is not encrypting HD channels.

- The FCC is forcing all cable operators to encrypt all channels.

It was clear that the customer "service" reps (including the "supervisor" had not the faintest clue about basic aspects of the service sold by their company. To them, terms such as "encryption", "digital", "analog", QAM or "tuner" are just meaningless sounds. The tech support people are no better. I try not to get too frustrated with them, but it doesn't say anything good about RCN's management or employee training.

I'm considering buying a Tivo HD, just to avoid paying for the !@#$ box rental, but I'm worried that they'll implement SDV and I'll be left with another crippled piece of electronics.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20602044 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:17:38 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20592113 rcbrcb : Two different things...The first step is to encrypt the HD QAM Channels over the entire system, they then begin the Digtal Conversion of each node individually. About a month before yoru node is converted you will get a mailer with instructions on what to do. That is why the lady at the RCN office didnt want to give you the new pricing, they have not yet set a date for your nodes conversion. YOu will only get a the new HD channels once your node has been converted.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20592113 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:02:24 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20591901 dworsky : >>Hzve you received a notice form RCN that your area has been converted to the new Full Digital Platform? If not, thats why youre not getting all the new HD channels

RCBRCB... No, I didn't get a notice, but lost my HD stations, so need to get a box to have them restored.

As I noted, I am sure that box owners know that a coax wouldn't work... but I didn't know as someone who has not had a box in recent years.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20591901 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:18:46 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20591814 rcbrcb : Dworsky...Hzve you received a notice form RCN that your area has been converted to the new Full Digital Platform? If not, thats why youre not getting all the new HD channels. They have to do each node, so its not like they just flip a switch and everyone is converted. They are 6 months into the process here in Chicago and still have a large part of the network to complete.

In order to get an HD signal from an HD Receiver, you can either use a 5 Strand Composite cable or HDMI. Coax will NEVER work......]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20591814 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:02:18 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20591723 dworsky : Well, I took the plunge today... maybe the first person in Mass to cry uncle and get boxes for my TVs that no longer get HD signals from RCN.

After calling the new 781 number for Analog Crush which actually connects you to Chicago, I was told I could have the first conventional box free, additional ones for $2.95 a month, and have them mailed to me (since I have no boxes currently). I was told that HD boxes had to be installed with a serviceperson at a cost of $49, and were $9.95. I was invited to go to Arlington to pick up both, if I wanted.

I went to Arlington with the intention to get one free box (Motorola DCT700) for one of my analog TVs (just to have, since it is free but not yet needed), and to get one HD box for $9.95 a month. The woman at the desk said I wasn't entitled to that "offer" as my town (Somerville) was not yet converting. I indicated I had just spoken to Chicago, and that there should be no issue at all because I would have been sent the (low end) box free. With not much more back and forth, she agreed to give me the box free, and an HD box for $9.95. Hint: ask for an HDMI HD box. Most do NOT have that type of connection. I wound up with a brand new unit.

Once I connected the boxes, I had to call RCN to send a renewed signal to the boxes, then wait 15 minutes to disconnect the power, and then reconnect. Fine. Done.

Now for the surprise (which is probably no surprise to anyone who already has both a cable box and an HDTV). I connected the box to the HDTV with a coaxial cable... and only got a shrunken 16x9 picture. However, if I made the connection from the HD cable box (Moto DCH3200)to the TV via an HDMI cable or component video cable, the picture did display fully in real HD. Who knew that apparently you cannot use a coaxial cable and get HD? I could get HD with my QAM TV before RCN scambled the HD signal... why not now?

On top of it, despite being told by the Chicago person that I would get about 40 HD channels... it is more like 15. And despite Discovery HD and two HDNET channels being on the 4/08 channel lineup chart... those are not available.

Almost done. I *hate* channel surfing with a box. It is so slow, and best I can tell, you cannot delete unused stations, so you have to know how to jump to the next series of actually available channels.

Lastly, on the analog TV where I put the low-end box, channel changing is also slow, and a one second freeze frame of the channel you are switching to comes on before the motion begins. Very annoying.

Grrrr. Very unhappy RCN customer here. (Formerly a very happy RCN customer.)

Oh... and to add insult to injury... I did a channel scan just before I connected the boxes... and amazingly many of the SD and HD channels had returned (after being pulled over the last few weeks).

Double GRRRR.

Edgar]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20591723 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:45:23 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20588695 dworsky : >>Does Comcast charge for HD?

At least in Somerville, if you have an HDTV with a QAM tuner, you can still tune in HD (such as the major networks) without a box (assuming you have their 70 channel service).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20588695 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:08:30 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20586687 mrbigk :
said by billymac See Profile :

Almost all of them say that an HD STB is required. This is mostly to let customers know that the standard STB will not provide HD. The majority of cable companies do have local SD & HD broadcasts unencrypted so that they can be tuned with a QAM tuner. Verizon is the only one I've seen actually state that in their website. (It's in the FAQ)
And that comcast section is incomplete because Digital Cable Ready TV's can also take cablecards. ie a box isn't necessarily required.

Out of the 3 options for providers in my area, RCN by far is the best option for those wishing to use a cablecard.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20586687 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:24:20 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20586577 billymac :
said by boble88 See Profile :

Does Comcast charge for HD? Copied and pasted from their web site.

HD programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS is available in selected areas. Comparative claims based upon areas where HDTV from Comcast is available. To receive HD features and benefits an HD television (not provided), HD box and remote control are required. Advertised channels/stations generally provide a mix of HD and non-HD programming. HD programming is limited to the programming provided to Comcast in HDTV format by the programming provider. Programming and charges subject to change. Basic service subscription is required to receive HDTV and premium HDTV channel requires subscription to underlying premium channel. Call Comcast for details and restrictions. Installation fees may vary.

All this for $8.99 per month

Comcast is saying an HD cable box is required to receive HD signals.
RCN should have a similarly priced package for basic cable (locals & PEG) and will likely rent you a HD STB to get the local HD. It may not be on the website but you should be able to contact customer service to get it. I believe a limited basic tier such as this is mandated by the FCC.

Almost all of them say that an HD STB is required. This is mostly to let customers know that the standard STB will not provide HD. The majority of cable companies do have local SD & HD broadcasts unencrypted so that they can be tuned with a QAM tuner. Verizon is the only one I've seen actually state that in their website. (It's in the FAQ)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20586577 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:08:53 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20586280 boble88 : Does Comcast charge for HD? Copied and pasted from their web site.

HD programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS is available in selected areas. Comparative claims based upon areas where HDTV from Comcast is available. To receive HD features and benefits an HD television (not provided), HD box and remote control are required. Advertised channels/stations generally provide a mix of HD and non-HD programming. HD programming is limited to the programming provided to Comcast in HDTV format by the programming provider. Programming and charges subject to change. Basic service subscription is required to receive HDTV and premium HDTV channel requires subscription to underlying premium channel. Call Comcast for details and restrictions. Installation fees may vary.

All this for $8.99 per month

Comcast is saying an HD cable box is required to receive HD signals.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20586280 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:20:53 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20584412 tigrzeye : I have 5 telephones in my house and use RCN .. will they be charging separately for each phone soon? If you network your computers and modem, will they charge for each computer you access the internet with??

PS ....I hate to think that I just gave RCN a new avenue of charges with this post. SO RCN PLEASE COVER YOUR EYES !!! :-)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20584412 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:04:00 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20584283 mrbigk : Just to make things easier for people. RCN origionally had the hd tier, (you payed extra) in Boston, I think only the local stations were in the clear unencrypted, ESPN & NESN was encrypted, they got rid of the hd tier, ESPN & NESN came unencrypted. They added hd stations after that and the ones that were digital vision were encrypted and the ones that were not, ie had a counterpart on expanded basic cable were not. People defending RCN should remember that RCN started providing additional channels "in the clear" around 5ish, maybe more years ago. And if people want to complain about them changing what they provide to their customers, customers should feel free to express their displeasure about what RCN is changing. Just like how some people praised RCN for allowing more clear cam than the other providers in their town (with the switch for me, Verizon and Comcast at least offer all the TV stations sd and hd in the clear, where RCN now will not)

RCN could of mitigated some of the customer anger like Verizon did by providing 3 free "digital adapters", which I believe are the DCT 700 boxes for their current subscribers. But RCN isn't doing that either so if people want to complain, I think this forum is a good place for people to air whatever their concerns are, whether its technical related or changes in company policy.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20584283 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:42:01 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20582702 boble88 : Although I do detest the "Cable Companies", I feel as if I must come to RCNs' aid in this QAM tuner matter. This info is copied and pasted directly from the RCN web site under HD FAQs.
What is the difference between HD-ready and HD-capable televisions?
HD-ready television sets have the HD decoder (converter box) built in, while HD-capable sets do not have the converter box built into the unit. Currently, customers with HD-ready or HD-capable sets will still need to rent a converter box from RCN. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20582702 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:01:59 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20582146 boble88 : Sorry for the "It's stealing" comment. Yes I can read and Lil I do not feel insulted (will take more than a comment to do that). RCN along with Comcast, Verizon, Direct TV, Dish, Time Warner etc etc. all charge for HD reception. If not a separate charge then one that is built into the "digital tier".
Based on the services I receive from RCN and what my monthly bill is including taxes, has anyone here priced what Comcast or Verizon charges for the exact same? Verizon is not in Somerville, Comcast is. I did price out what I would pay Verizon if I lived in their service area and what I would pay Comcast for the same services in my city. If either one charged less I would not be discussing this with you today, I would be in a Comcast or Verizon forum talking about how bad they suck.
I hope that RCN stays in business and can continue to compete with the "Big Boys" if not, my cable bill will be outrageous and I will have to drop some of the services I receive today.
That said, where are my new "HD channels" in Somerville? Plus, RCN I am begging you to go back to the software you used before the "Great Crash" for the VOD functions etc etc.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20582146 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:15:11 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20581438 billymac : RCN QAM was in the clear for their extended basic channels and their associated HD channels, but not any HD channels on digital vision. They knew what was encrypted and what wasn't encrypted. To say that it was stealing is ridiculous in my opinion. Now if I canceled and they never disconnected, and I still watched, that would be stealing. But to say that as a paying customer, plugging in a cable to my TV and auto programming the stations is stealing, that's crazy. RCN has never accused anyone of stealing in this manner to the best of my knowledge. It's really no different than plugging in an analog TV set and tuning the analog channels these days.

Just about every other cable company in the nation does not encrypt any of the local broadcasts, either in HD or SD, allowing them to be tuned with a simple QAM tuner. This includes the "screw you every which way possible" big cable companies. Most do encrypt the non broadcast QAM channels.

I really can't see the light in RCN's decision. The analog crush does give them a competitive advantage over other cable companies by freeing up space for more HD and such. So that makes sense. I think Verizon is handling it better by giving 3 free DCT700's per subscriber, whereas I haven't even seen anything official mailed to me from RCN regarding the forthcoming analog crush.

But if the QAM encryption only affected a negligible amount of subscribers, how much revenue do they plan to gain?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20581438 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:14:21 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20580254 anon : Paul, Im sure this is concerning only tv's you have rented a HD box on. "A wide array of HD channels are FREE with no additional channel fees."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20580254 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:33:09 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20578386 anon : If you look at the channel line-up for chicago it looks like they moved some of the HDs to the Premium tier, but it also looks like the HD that is included is a ton more than they offer now included in the price.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20578386 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:56:09 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20578367 anon : Paul, if Rcn claims that they do not "charge a higher subscription fee for HD", in that statement does it say you can use as many tvs you want? I would think it is a correct statement because it is built into the HD box fee, if you have one hd box you are only paying for 1 tv in hd. Makes sense to me.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20578367 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:52:45 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20578292 rcbrcb : The HD Premium Tier seems to be a pretty close match to the Premium HD Tier offered by DirecTV, channel wise that is, the Premium HD Tier @ DTV is only $4.99 a month...I have a feeling thats where they got the idea from.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20578292 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:42:03 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20578197 dworsky : Tigreye... I noticed the other day that indeed they do have a premium HD tier in Chicago. But stuff like HD Net, which is about as plain vanilla as you get, is surprisingly there.

I had hoped when RCN went "all digital", they would have merged "digital vision" stations into their expanded basic. But those channels still seem to be only available by paying about $10 extra a month.

Extra for this, extra for that. It all adds up to too much extra!

Edgar]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20578197 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:26:24 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20577325 tigrzeye : Paul,

If you look at the digital line up for the Chicago area, which is where RCN first went encrypted/digital in full, there are now HD premium channels that they charge extra for. See the attached link at end of this post.

I used to pay $9.95 per month for HD programming, then that went free, but HD and HD/DVR rentals went up. Now when the digital/encrypted change over takes place it's back to paying for HD channels again as they are in tiered packages. Plus they took HD channels that were not a premium, and I now get for free, and have moved them to a PREMIUM HD tier and you have to pay extra for them.

»www.rcn.com/company/pdf/ChicagoR···vise.pdf]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20577325 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:50:08 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20576544 anon :
said by boble88 See Profile :

Forgive my ignorance but, is using the QAM tuner to receive HD channels a way of not having to pay for the HD channels? If so, is that a form of stealing cable service?
No, it is not. RCN advertises that they do not charge a higher subscription fee for HD service. They use this as a marketing claim. The HD equivalent of any channel included in your subscription is supposedly included in the fee we are already paying. QAM refers to the technical standard used to transmit digital TV signals over cable. Both HD and SD channels are transmitted using QAM (HD and digital are not the same thing).

QAM tuners are included in all TVs manufactured today to make them "cable ready". RCN has, for years, transmitted their expanded basic lineup in clear QAM. Premium channels, such as HBO, have always been encrypted.

[Extranneous commentary removed by moderator]

We are NOT "stealing" anything. RCN has, without notice, encrypted all the digital channels (Standard Definition and HD) , and plans to drop analog service entirely. This will force all customers to rent a box for each TV, at considerable cost.

This has all been discussed, at length, in this thread. Please read the previous posts ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20576544 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:59:11 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20576433 boble88 : Forgive my ignorance but, is using the QAM tuner to receive HD channels a way of not having to pay for the HD channels? If so, is that a form of stealing cable service?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20576433 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:25:18 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20567810 anon :
If enough customers make enough of a stink, they may change their mind, at least about some channels. It probably won't do anything, but I figure what the hell. If enough people join, and we add this to the stink everyone else is making. Maybe just maybe they'll listen.

I sure hope RCN doesn't "Comcast" us. :-(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20567810 Sat, 31 May 2008 06:25:15 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20565229 arlington : All my bill had was this:

"On June 1,2008 RCN will be moving their
Digital Music and Pay Per View channels.
Please go to the following locations to
continue to receive these programs.
RCNDigital Music - Channels 851-895
Pay Per View Events - 911
Adult Pay Per View - 915 - 919
MLB Extra Innings - 941 - 954
These changes will not interrupt any of
your services and we hope you enjoy our
Digital Music and Pay Per View in their new
locations".]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20565229 Fri, 30 May 2008 17:29:49 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20564626 dworsky : I just got my May RCN bill today, and there NO NOTICE about going all digital in Massachusetts. In fact, all it had was the insert about the BROADCAST analog transition, which in relevant part says:

"If all your televisions are connected to the RCN network, this change will not affect you. You will continue to receive the same high-quality service and programming that you receive today."

Ha.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20564626 Fri, 30 May 2008 15:44:12 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20564470 jhlmsln : Some people are still moaning and groaning about
RCN new business model even after they have said
that they are quiting or have quit. Talk about
beating a dead horse. If the new business model
will allow more HD CHANNELS at a reasonable cost - GREAT.
There is no law that says you have to have CABLE.

This is just my opinion. You know the old saying-
"opinions are like assholes,everyone has one"

jhl]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20564470 Fri, 30 May 2008 15:19:37 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20564242 billymac : Not to defend RCN, but Direct does also charge $10 a month just to get HD. So their is an added cost for the first HD box. With RCN going digital, Direct is on the same playing field. If Direct has a better deal then switch.

Personally I'll be paying more per month now to get a feature I want (clearQAM locals) from Verizon. I'm sure we aren't the only customers RCN will lose. I'm sure they hope they gain more than they lose. Personally, I always find it's usually easier to keep existing customers than to find new ones.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20564242 Fri, 30 May 2008 14:41:04 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20563566 tigrzeye : You are probably correct on the duplicate programming charge but it has the same effect. If you have a TV you need a box and they charge $4.99 for that line. Not $17.95 for a DVR box, not $11.95 for an HD box just the $4.99. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20563566 Fri, 30 May 2008 12:41:10 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20563392 nycityny :
said by Paul_Brookline :

Many of your customers chose RCN BECAUSE you provided content in Clear QAM. I have recommended RCN to friends and colleagues because they would be able to avoid renting an STB. That has now changed
Ditto here. In my building we have a choice between Time Warner and RCN. I chose RCN in 1997 because cable boxes were/are not required for the basic tier. When that changes RCN will lose their advantage over Time Warner and their disadvantages will become an issue (no NY1 local news channel, fewer HD channels, fewer other channels like Hallmark and Game Show Network).

said by tigrzeye See Profile :

I recently added an HD STB and it is $11.99 per month. Same thing on DirecTV satellite, is $4.99 per month per box/TV connected. $12.00 for a box to just sit there, used or unused. OUCH!!
I believe the $4.99 that DirecTV charges is a duplicate programming charge, not a box rental fee. My parents have two DirecTV boxes that they own but they pay $4.99/month for the 2nd box for the programming. Another great thing about DirecTV, though, is that you pay $5.99/month for DVR service and that covers every box you own. In other words if you have 4 DirecTV/DVR boxes, you pay $5.99/month for the DVR capability covering all boxes.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20563392 Fri, 30 May 2008 12:11:50 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20563377 JimF :
said by tubby17 See Profile :

So for those of us in the Lehigh Valley, correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it, we rely on cable to get ANY signal since there is no OTA alternative.
It depends on where you are. I have a good UHF antenna in the attic, pointed towards the local LV stations, but also get (about 30 degrees off-axis) the ABC, CBS and NBC stations from Philly. They are all HD (1080i except for ABC, which is 720p). Usually they are OK, but I get some dropouts and will eventually upgrade to another antenna pointed directly at the Philly stations, and switch between them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20563377 Fri, 30 May 2008 12:10:34 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20563023 tubby17 : tigrzeye--another thing that troubles me is that in the Lehigh Valley, we can't even get OTA broadcasts because of our geography. If I'm not mistaken, this was the impetus for the first cable company in the country to start operations here (Service Electric). That's another option that we simply don't have if we want to get major networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, etc.) in HD.

So for those of us in the Lehigh Valley, correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it, we rely on cable to get ANY signal since there is no OTA alternative. Just another example of how our options will really be limited by all of this.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20563023 Fri, 30 May 2008 11:02:10 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20562593 tigrzeye : Thank you Paul_Brookline for your post, concise and to the point.

A couple additional considerations:

1/ My RCN bill now exceeds my budget plan electric bill. A utility that provides me with heat, hot water, and power for every appliance and gadget in my household.

2/ I can't switch to another cable company. RCN is a monopoly in my area, it's the only choice, no competition, no competition pricing to have to beat.

3/ Okay we have already lost the battle, RCN is encrypting their signals, period !! So at least lesson the blow a bit RCN and make your STB rentals reasonable. I recently added an HD STB and it is $11.99 per month. Same thing on DirecTV satellite, is $4.99 per month per box/TV connected. $12.00 for a box to just sit there, used or unused. OUCH!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20562593 Fri, 30 May 2008 09:33:29 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20561352 anon :
said by rcnman See Profile :

we are spending millions of dollars to go all digital throughout our markets in order to give our customers double the programming for about the same price as before.
"about the same price" !?!? Really? ...I will have to pay almost $40.00/month over and above what I am now charged, simply to regain the programming I've been receiving on my existing TVs with no box, as promised by your sales representative.

said by rcnman See Profile :

One of the aspects of that effort is that we are encrypting digital programming outside of the basic tier.
You are encrypting all the channels, both Standard Definition and HD I am currently receiving as part of my expanded basic service, including local broadcast stations.

said by rcnman See Profile :

.....the fact that customers using QAM tuners would be impacted by that change. The internal information also noted that the number of such customers is expected to be small given that most TVs don’t have QAM tuners and even if they do, very few people are using them today.
EVERY television manufactured for the past two years has contained an ATSC/QAM tuner, including the 15" Toshiba I have in my kitchen, in a space with no room for a cable box. When my each of my TVs was first powered on, it presented a setup screen asking if I wanted to program the channel selection. One button press is all that's required.

Look - we all know why RCN is now encrypting all programming: forcing customers to rent boxes generates revenue. Cable TV is not a competitive market - it is, at best, a duopoly, and the industry has successfully killed the FCC's effort to make STBs an open market.

Please do not insult our intelligence by conflating encryption with digital conversion or bandwidth reclamation - we know that they are unrelated. We also know that encrypting basic programming is not related to protecting premium content (that has always been encrypted).

Many of your customers chose RCN BECAUSE you provided content in Clear QAM. I have recommended RCN to friends and colleagues because they would be able to avoid renting an STB. That has now changed - I am warning them to avoid RCN, particularly because RCN reneges on commitments without even bothering to notify customers. That is contempt, by anyone's definition.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20561352 Thu, 29 May 2008 23:38:49 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20560863 jondar9 :
said by rcnman See Profile :

...as a consumer you will have many more choices then before.
So when do we get the "choice" to use customer owned STBs to avoid the ridiculous rental fees that will be forced upon us? (Yes, I'm already planning on 1 or 2 TiVoHD's to replace the existing 3 SD models. It still won't cover the several other occasional use TVs.)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20560863 Thu, 29 May 2008 22:02:27 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20560469 billymac :
said by rcnman See Profile :

.... One of the aspects of that effort is that we are encrypting digital programming outside of the basic tier, ....
Jason, my question is regarding the above statement. Are local HD broadcasts not part of the basic tier? Although I would love that it remain the way it is, and I've bragged about RCN's clear QAM, I've resolved myself to losing the majority of clearQAM.

The local HD's not being in clear QAM, that is the issue that is driving me to switch. Your competitors have the locals in the clear, and advertise as such, so by not providing that you are losing the customers that care about that feature, but gaining very little. None of the encryption changes are necessary for the the analog crushed and enhanced HD that you are rolling out. I'll be spending more for cable but I'll be able to use my HD QAM DVR with them.

I do feel that all cable companies should provide their extended basic in clearQAM like RCN has for many years, but I guess that is a battle that has been lost.

I appreciate your support for the few months I was with RCN and wish you all the best.

Billy]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20560469 Thu, 29 May 2008 20:54:00 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20559787 rcnman : Looking back over the thread of postings and after checking this out internally at RCN, I think what we have here is failure to communicate well. RCN in no way views any of its customers as ‘negligible’ – we are spending millions of dollars to go all digital throughout our markets in order to give our customers double the programming for about the same price as before. One of the aspects of that effort is that we are encrypting digital programming outside of the basic tier, so our internal communications discussing the change, which were later posted in this forum, were meant to address the fact that customers using QAM tuners would be impacted by that change. The internal information also noted that the number of such customers is expected to be small given that most TVs don’t have QAM tuners and even if they do, very few people are using them today.

Should we have used the word “negligible” instead of “small”? Probably not. The same goes for the phrase “Few people know how to do this” – it probably would have been better to say that “Only our most technically savvy customers are currently using the QAM tuners in their TVs.” All I can say again is that RCN in no way views its customers as negligible or not smart enough to figure out how to use a QAM tuner – and apologize for any other impression that was obviously engendered by RCN’s poor choice of words.
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Network Operations]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20559787 Thu, 29 May 2008 18:43:36 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20559541 tigrzeye : Jason and Joe we appreciate all your help. I don't think we are upset with either of you. BUT since you are available to us through this forum, you are getting it both barrels.

I just added an HD STB and am charged $11.99 per month and already have HD programming with an existing DVR/HD STB. That is incredibly high for a box rental fee as compared to DirecTV where is is $4.99 per month. That is 2.5 times more. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20559541 Thu, 29 May 2008 17:47:07 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20558967 moulder3 :
said by rcnman See Profile :

said by foofoo2 :

I doubt that rcn gets discovery HD free just for having discovery sd. Alot of people will be upset im sure when they lose the HD channels they got as a "bonus" for so long. It wont be long before every company does the same thing.
Indeed, typically with most if not all MSO's the cable premiums come with a price or license fee, thus why certain channels get placed in certain tiers to hopefully drive take rates within that tier.

I fully understand many of your concerns and issues with the encryption, but many of the changes are necessary and unavoidable in order for us to implement the new lineups and channel additions. In the end, the product as a whole will be much more attractive, and as a consumer you will have many more choices then before.
I 100% understand where you're coming from, but why can't you just filter the frequencies that we receive. For instance, I pay for enchanced digital, ALL HD channels & several premium channels. Why can't you allow me (via QAM) to receive all the channels that I pay for?

I understand the need to encrypt so that people don't receive channels they don't pay for, but what about those of us who pay (a lot of $!) to receive premium content. Now we need a STB to receive everything...and your STB's are siginficantly more expensive than Dish's or DirecTv's boxes!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20558967 Thu, 29 May 2008 16:15:37 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20558479 rcnman :
said by Paul_Brookline :

said by dworsky See Profile :

Paul...

o QAM tuners are only available on high-end HDTV's, and the customer had to know how to set up the tuner to receive these stations. Few people know how to do this, so the amount of customers impacted should be negligible.

I had no idea that pushing the "Program" button on the remote was such a high-end skill. I guess my Engineering MS didn't go to waste. This reads like an excerpt from that Dish TV commercial showing Cable execs as scheming buffoons.

I'd think that such obvious contempt for your customers would not be a productive business strategy.
I'm hopeful that myself and Joe's assistance in this forum would show otherwise. I do apologize for the context / wording of that statement and I assure you it couldn't be further from the truth.
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Network Operations]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20558479 Thu, 29 May 2008 14:54:10 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20558449 rcnman :
said by foofoo2 :

I doubt that rcn gets discovery HD free just for having discovery sd. Alot of people will be upset im sure when they lose the HD channels they got as a "bonus" for so long. It wont be long before every company does the same thing.
Indeed, typically with most if not all MSO's the cable premiums come with a price or license fee, thus why certain channels get placed in certain tiers to hopefully drive take rates within that tier.

I fully understand many of your concerns and issues with the encryption, but many of the changes are necessary and unavoidable in order for us to implement the new lineups and channel additions. In the end, the product as a whole will be much more attractive, and as a consumer you will have many more choices then before.
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Network Operations]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20558449 Thu, 29 May 2008 14:50:25 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20556439 E512N : What's irked me with this whole conversion is the overall lack of communication. There were these nebulous "digital is coming" commercials from time to time (with the expected "get a box or you'll lose everything" language - probably could have been a bit more upsell and a little less threatening...). Other than that, though, I didn't get diddly as far as real info.

* My building management was apparently not informed until the cutover happened. That justifiably freaked them out to the point of demanding a suspension of the rollout and conversion _back_ to the older lineup. "Irate" barely describes how irked they are right now.

* I received no mailings - at all. Honestly, I was really surprised by the lack of communication. Historically, RCN has been pretty good about that thing in my neighborhood.

* No formal timeline was published

The whole approach has mad it damn hard for people to actually get boxes and continue service. Had it not been for this board and the RCN guys who kindly post, there's no way I'd have had a clue what was going on.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20556439 Thu, 29 May 2008 08:24:54 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20556314 anon : I recieved brochure in the mail with some info about the change. But heard there was more info on the way. Im sure RCN does not want people stealing HD channels, which they probably pay more for to provide to customers.I doubt that rcn gets discovery HD free just for having discovery sd. Alot of people will be upset im sure when they lose the HD channels they got as a "bonus" for so long. It wont be long before every company does the same thing. That is why OTA is such a great idea. I also heard the fcc liked the fact that rcn was taking the innitiative to go all digital. The fcc itself wants everything to be digital. Thats just my take....who knows. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20556314 Thu, 29 May 2008 07:34:53 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20554943 JimF :
said by Paul_Brookline :

I made it clear to the RCN rep. that I would not subscribe to their service if I was required to rent an STB for each TV.
Lots of luck. It looks like you are relying on an oral agreement with the "RCN rep", whoever that is. Take a look at your contract or whatever terms they provided you. Chances are, there will be a provision that it supersedes all other agreements, oral or otherwise.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20554943 Wed, 28 May 2008 22:23:35 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20553891 nycityny : Wow! It is kind of scary looking behind the curtain and seeing how contemptuous RCN is of its customers. I mean, writing things like "negligible" and "Few people know how to do this" is really disheartening to read.

I'm in New York and will have to reconfigure my entire set-up when these changes occur here. Meantime, our local government just voted yesterday to allow Verizon FIOS into our city. I'm looking forward to the additional competition. After 11 years with RCN my time with them may be running out.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20553891 Wed, 28 May 2008 18:46:32 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20553686 anon :
said by dworsky See Profile :

Paul...

o QAM tuners are only available on high-end HDTV's, and the customer had to know how to set up the tuner to receive these stations. Few people know how to do this, so the amount of customers impacted should be negligible.

I had no idea that pushing the "Program" button on the remote was such a high-end skill. I guess my Engineering MS didn't go to waste. This reads like an excerpt from that Dish TV commercial showing Cable execs as scheming buffoons.

I'd think that such obvious contempt for your customers would not be a productive business strategy.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20553686 Wed, 28 May 2008 18:06:00 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20552947 billymac : Awesome! I'm negligible!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20552947 Wed, 28 May 2008 16:01:19 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20552545 dworsky : Paul...

I was told by RCN that they did send out notices to Mass, but you and I (and probably everyone else) didn't get them. Funny thing.

Their plan is to begin going all digital starting July 8 and finishing by January 27.

Here is info provided to certain RCN reps:

>>As of today May 6, 2008, we began encrypting some HD channels in the Massachusetts market and we will continue to do so until all channels are encrypted. This includes High Definition channels that weren't previously encrypted such as local stations. Note the schedule below:

On 05/06/08 we encrypted:
A&E HD Ch 184 , History Ch HD Ch 186, Animal Planet HD Ch 187, Travel Channel HD Ch 188 , FX HD Ch 189 , LMN HD Ch 190, TLC HD Ch 191 , CNN HD Ch 192 and Discovery HD Ch 193.

On 05/14/08 we will encrypt:
HGTV HD Ch182, Food Network HD Ch 181, TBS HD Ch 174 ,TNT HD Ch 173, Comcast Sp Net HD Ch 171,ESPN HD Ch 166 , ESPN 2 HD Ch 169 ,
WLVI HD Ch 156 and WSBK HD Ch 159

On 05/20/08 we will encrypt:
NESN HD Ch 170, ABC HD Ch 160, CBS HD Ch 161, NBC HD Ch 162, Fox HD Ch 163 and PBS HD Ch 164

How does this impact our customers?

* Anyone without an RCN cable box or CableCARD will no longer see these channels.

* Most RCN customers will not even notice a difference. If they have a digital converter or a CableCARD, they won't see any change.
* Customers that have QAM tuners that were picking up unencrypted digital channels without paying for them will no longer see the channels.
o QAM tuners allow the free reception of digital programming previously sent "in the clear" by RCN; however, most digital channels were always encoded because they are outside of the "basic cable" package.
o QAM tuners are only available on high-end HDTV's, and the customer had to know how to set up the tuner to receive these stations. Few people know how to do this, so the amount of customers impacted should be negligible.
o For now, this does not affect a cable ready TV receiving ANALOG cable signals. This is just HD channels. Analog channels will soon be eliminated as well, but that is a future phase; we will send out another notification when that occurs.

+ Beginning July 8, 2008 in Massachusetts; all analog channels except for a constant advertisement will be replaced by an all-digital line up enabling us to put together a great new channel lineup.
+ Customers must have a box on each television by their implementation date or they will lose programming.
+ For new customers, the first standard converter box is free. New customers will be charged $2.95 a month for additional standard converter boxes. Current customers with out any converter boxes, will receive the same pricing. The 1st box free and $2.95 for each additional box.
+ If current customers have a box (RDIGCNV), they will receive additional boxes at the price schedule they are on: $2.95/5.95 OR $4.95/7.95
+ Letters and voice-cast phone messages are directing customers to call a local number, 781-xxx-xxxx, for details.
+ Direct customers calling Customer Service to request a new converter or to swap a converter to the Local Office first

Edgar]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20552545 Wed, 28 May 2008 15:34:14 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20552406 anon :
said by rcbrcb See Profile :

The FCC "In the Clear Rule" only requires that a provider leave either the SD or HD locals feeds in the clear so a QAM tuner can pull them in, not both. RCN is leaving the SD version of the local channels unencrypted so they are in compliance and they are under no obligation to notify residents that the HD versions of the local channels are going to be encrypted. It really sucks, but that the way it is.....IMO, RCN could have done a much better job with this!
You're missing the point. Most of the OTA HD channels remain unencrypted (though they have, in violation of FCC rules, encrypted two local independents). We are objecting to the unannounced encryption of the expanded basic SD lineup.

RCN changed the service that they agreed to provide when I committed to a one year contract in March '08. As I said in my earlier post, I verified that the expanded basic channels, including HD versions, would be available using a clear QAM tuner, as well as available to my analog-only set without requiring an STB. I made it clear to the RCN rep. that I would not subscribe to their service if I was required to rent an STB for each TV.

It's obvious that the decision to encrypt all QAM channels had already been made when RCN was telling me that they would be available in clear QAM. It seems likely that analog service will be shut down in the near future, with the same failure to notify customers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20552406 Wed, 28 May 2008 14:24:05 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20551424 mrbigk : The TV broadcasters are not going to broadcast a sd version of their feed over the air. The signal sent by the broadcasters will be HD. Whether or not the content is HD is another story. RCN will have to downconvert the signal if they want to offer a sd version. All I am saying is that should not be allowed to satisfy the must carry "in the clear" rule. If RCN wants to offer it to there customers, fine, but the HD signal is what is being broadcast, and thus should be the one in the clear.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20551424 Wed, 28 May 2008 11:40:11 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20551371 rcbrcb : Thats not true mrbigk....After February the feeds will only be sent out in a digtal format (no more analog), but there will still be SD and HD versions being sent out in the digital format. Digital and HD are not the same thing...RCN has encrypted the HD local feeds to force those that want HD to rent HD equipment.....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20551371 Wed, 28 May 2008 11:31:45 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20551342 mrbigk : Yeah and by February their will not be a SD version broadcast, so they should be allowed to downgrade what a broadcaster is sending? I somehow doubt the TV stations are going to be thrilled that a cable company could be allowed to offer only a downgraded version of their signal. I don't think this was thought out to well by RCN. I feel pretty confident that they will have to unencrypt the local HD stations in a few months anyway, why would they be so stupid to irritate its subscribers more than they have to.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20551342 Wed, 28 May 2008 11:27:07 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20550990 rcbrcb : The FCC "In the Clear Rule" only requires that a provider leave either the SD or HD locals feeds in the clear so a QAM tuner can pull them in, not both. RCN is leaving the SD version of the local channels unencrypted so they are in compliance and they are under no obligation to notify residents that the HD versions of the local channels are going to be encrypted. It really sucks, but that the way it is.....IMO, RCN could have done a much better job with this!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20550990 Wed, 28 May 2008 10:21:39 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20550445 anon : All non-network QAM channels in Brookline were encrypted yesterday, including several local channels as well as WGBH World and WGBH Create (local PBS sub-channels).

I've reported RCN's unannounced policy change to the Mass. Dept. of telecommunications and Cable (www.state.ma.us), my town's broadband monitoring committee, the consumer affairs reporter at WCVB, the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission.

If large numbers of customers from multiple cities complain, something may change.

I am particularly annoyed because I asked the RCN sales rep. specific, detailed questions to ensure that I would not need a cable box. I purchased a Samsung HDTV based on the assurance I received from RCN that a QAM tuner would enable me to receive all my expanded basic programming.

I would not have ordered RCN service if I knew that a cable box was required for every TV in my house - a backdoor way of doubling my cable bill.

Even today, RCN has not provided any customer notice of changes to our service. I have no way of knowing if equipment purchased today will be usable a week from now, or if analog programming I view on my old TV will suddenly disappear.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20550445 Wed, 28 May 2008 07:55:40 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20550307 dworsky : No notice from RCN. In Somerville, I lost almost all SD stations yesterday, and even CBS-HD was cut out last week or the week before.

Now the only things left are NBC-HD, ABC-HD, PBS-HD, FOX-HD, and a few only foreign language and shopping channels.

UGG!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20550307 Wed, 28 May 2008 06:43:53 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20549751 anon : Did anyone get any notice from RCN that they'd be shutting off their QAM channels?

I don't recall getting any notice, but maybe I just missed it?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20549751 Wed, 28 May 2008 00:18:52 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20549534 anon :
said by mrbigk See Profile :

Do you really believe PBS is requiring their HD signal to be encrypted?
Well, if you call RCN they'll try to convince you that the FCC is requiring them to encrypt the channels, and that's obviously complete bull****. They obviously don't care about truth here...

Also, btw, pretty much all channels are now gone.

As of now, only 2-22, 160, 162, 163, 164, 166, 83 (local access), 153, and 173 are available.

I assume the remaining channels other than 2-22 will be disappearing soon now. (Note that although phone tech support claimed 2-22 and 83-98 would be the only channels left unencrypted, most of the channels in the 83-98 range have in fact become encrypted now..)

To make matters worse, RCN has shown their utter contempt for me as their customer by so far failing to even bother to reply to the email I sent to cabletv@rcn.com last Thursday. Bravo.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20549534 Tue, 27 May 2008 23:36:25 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20548577 mrbigk :
said by [bquote= rcbrcb See Profile :

I don't know what the real story is - and yeah, I'm still annoyed at the encryption - but I find it far more likely that the upstream content providers are the ones behind this. The whole DRM stupidity, broadcast kill flag nonsense, etc. would pretty much align with a move toward requiring providers to encrypt content. Just wait for the "thou shalt not skip commercials" nonsense. That's all the networks old-skool licensing model protection and inability to adapt to a changing ad revenue model.
Do you really believe PBS is requiring their HD signal to be encrypted?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20548577 Tue, 27 May 2008 20:45:59 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20548522 billymac :
said by E512N See Profile :

said by rcbrcb See Profile :

Since RCN has made the move, Comcats is now beginning to do the same in Chicago. It's kinda like when one airline raises their rates, the others follow.
I appreciate the tinfoil hat sentiment here, but have you considered the possibility that RCN (and particularly the responsive, helpful employees who have for years supported the people on this forum) might actually have been telling us the truth? And that now it's a matter of Comcast also dealing with the same content licensing/access/encryption protocols required by the content providers?

I don't know what the real story is - and yeah, I'm still annoyed at the encryption - but I find it far more likely that the upstream content providers are the ones behind this. The whole DRM stupidity, broadcast kill flag nonsense, etc. would pretty much align with a move toward requiring providers to encrypt content. Just wait for the "thou shalt not skip commercials" nonsense. That's all the networks old-skool licensing model protection and inability to adapt to a changing ad revenue model.
I am thankful for those that monitor this forum. It is nice to have people that can answer questions intelligibly and not have to call a support line.

However, encrypting local HD's is not being pushed by the upstream providers. They give away their signal for free. Actually, they invest a lot of money so that people can get their signal. I can't see them being happy about a carry limiting the number of viewers that can see their channel.

I actually wonder what the local station's opinion on this issue is. I think I start sending a few emails and see what results.

Billy]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20548522 Tue, 27 May 2008 20:36:13 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20548421 E512N :
said by rcbrcb See Profile :

Since RCN has made the move, Comcats is now beginning to do the same in Chicago. It's kinda like when one airline raises their rates, the others follow.
I appreciate the tinfoil hat sentiment here, but have you considered the possibility that RCN (and particularly the responsive, helpful employees who have for years supported the people on this forum) might actually have been telling us the truth? And that now it's a matter of Comcast also dealing with the same content licensing/access/encryption protocols required by the content providers?

I don't know what the real story is - and yeah, I'm still annoyed at the encryption - but I find it far more likely that the upstream content providers are the ones behind this. The whole DRM stupidity, broadcast kill flag nonsense, etc. would pretty much align with a move toward requiring providers to encrypt content. Just wait for the "thou shalt not skip commercials" nonsense. That's all the networks old-skool licensing model protection and inability to adapt to a changing ad revenue model.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20548421 Tue, 27 May 2008 20:17:51 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20546457 rcbrcb : RCN can say all day long that the content providers are requiring the encryption of the QAM feeds but that is BS and it is just a money grab for monthly STB rental fees. While I feel the Analog Crush is a good move for RCN and has given me many more HD channels here in Chicago, the encryption of the HD QAM feeds is a really bad PR move. Since RCN has made the move, Comcats is now beginning to do the same in Chicago. It's kinda like when one airline raises their rates, the others follow.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20546457 Tue, 27 May 2008 14:49:20 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20546126 anon : I've lost TBS HD, FOOD HD, CW HD, and HGTV HD. If RCN is not willing to negotiate with providers regarding clear QAM, then they will lose the one market advantage that they have over Comcast. Also, there is no need to encrypt every channel just because of the one or two providers who insist on encrypting their channels. I will be switching to Direct TV, once Microsoft's Media Center adds support for it. On that note, I'd be interested to see what happened to RCN's customer base in Chicago when they started encrypting everything.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20546126 Tue, 27 May 2008 13:51:33 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505897 rcbrcb : Trust me when I say this discussion is not going to change the minds of the Brain Trust at RCN. We beat the issue into them when they did the Analog Crush here in Chicago about the HD QAM channels and they would not budge. As long as they provide the SD version of the local channels in the clear on QAM, they are in compliance with FCC rules, nothing else HAS to be delivered "In the Clear".
This is, of course, a revenue based decision on RCN's part. The encryption of the HD QAM channels has NOTHING to do with regaining bandwidth, but everything to do with requiring the rental to STB's to its customers. I am all for the switch to full digital, as it has brought me many more HD channels, which is GREAT. But the encryption of the HD QAM Channels is straight BS on RCN's part.
I swiched to only Series 3 HD Tivo's after the Analog Crush and only pay RCN $4.50 total per month for the 3 Cable Cards. I simply did'nt want to pay RCN for the equipment every month and besides that, their equipment is garbage anyway! The only thing I lost was the abilty to have VOD, which in the 9 years I have been with RCN, I had not used ONCE!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505897 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:37:30 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505754 nycityny : This whole idea of a requirement to encrypt sounds fishy to me. The cable companies require customers to use their equipment. Then content providers contractually require that cable company-owned equipment be needed to receive programming. Sounds like collusion to me.

When RCN gets around to making NYC all digital I'll either go to Time Warner or purchase HD TIVO boxes for my television sets. With all the problems I read on these boards with RCN-supplied DVRs there is no way I'd pay RCN those high rental fees to watch the shows I can watch today with such extortion.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505754 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:04:44 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505628 moulder3 : Wow, I didn't know most non-broadcast channels required encryption...I apologize for the rant then, rcnman!

This just leads me to thinking we need a-la-carte channels even QUICKER! I know some people disagree, but I think most advertiser-supported channels would quickly reduce their carriage fees, once they felt the massive loss of customers (which is how cable companies determine ad revenue), not viewership.

I think it's pretty crazy that (in our current setup) we all have to pay for channels like USA network that air tons of ads AND edit every movie they show. To me, I'd drop just about every basic channel except the ESPNs (which, I know, is expensive) and simply buy premium channels!

...I know everyone is different, though. That's the whole point of a la carte!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505628 Mon, 19 May 2008 10:32:52 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505608 tigrzeye : We receive non-broadcast digital tier channels now that are not encrypted. Are these new, just penned contracts you speak of??]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505608 Mon, 19 May 2008 10:29:40 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505416 rcnman :
said by moulder3 See Profile :

quote:
rcnman: By going all digital it allows us to deploy a large amount of HD channels. This wouldn't be possible if we maintained a large analog lineup.


Well, that's only half true... RCN could go all digital and NOT encrypt the channels, if you wanted. It's not that you're going all-digital that is the issue with most people on this board. We understand it's necessary to do that to add HD. But it's a bait-and-switch when you say you have to take away UNENCRYPTED analog and replace it with ENCRYPTED digital!! There's no reason not to keep digital channels in the clear, except that you want $$$ for box rentals. I think you guys should be honest about it, at least! I pay $100 a month for TV, and am less than thrilled I'll need to rent additional boxes, despite having QAM tuners in my tvs.
Most deals with our providers (non-broadcast) have in the contract the channel must be encrypted. This is true for most if not all cable companies.
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Network Operations]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505416 Mon, 19 May 2008 09:45:56 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505022 tigrzeye : In the long scheme of things the reason I have always had cable (when it is an option) is that I didn't need to have a box for every tv in the house like you do for satellite programming. Now I still have cable because in my experience, certainly not an expert one, I find the cable picture to be superior to the DirecTv picture. The cost of satellite programming and their equipment is certainly a plus, and right now here in the Lehigh Valley, they certainly have the HD advantage with a bunch more channels available.

Since more and more people ARE heading towards satellite tv viewing it is making the playing field less dependent on that no need for a box advantage cable tv had. Cable is seeing that they can create revenue and limit the number of "free" televisions hanging off of consumer added splitters. With needing STB's for every tv in the house, they can control and garner additional revenue.

The competition satellite tv created has had a negative effect. They can do it, so why can't we is what cable is possibly thinking. We the consumer certainly lost this time. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20505022 Mon, 19 May 2008 07:16:41 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20504678 moulder3 :
quote:
rcnman: By going all digital it allows us to deploy a large amount of HD channels. This wouldn't be possible if we maintained a large analog lineup.


Well, that's only half true... RCN could go all digital and NOT encrypt the channels, if you wanted. It's not that you're going all-digital that is the issue with most people on this board. We understand it's necessary to do that to add HD. But it's a bait-and-switch when you say you have to take away UNENCRYPTED analog and replace it with ENCRYPTED digital!! There's no reason not to keep digital channels in the clear, except that you want $$$ for box rentals. I think you guys should be honest about it, at least! I pay $100 a month for TV, and am less than thrilled I'll need to rent additional boxes, despite having QAM tuners in my tvs.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20504678 Mon, 19 May 2008 02:16:34 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20502637 mrbigk :
said by rcnman See Profile :

By going all digital it allows us to deploy a large amount of HD channels. This wouldn't be possible if we maintained a large analog lineup.
I am not saying you shouldn't go digital, but clear qam should be treated like a "cable ready" tv. I have 3 soon to be 4 HDTV's. Been replacing the older tvs as they falter. You want to switch to digital fine. But encrypting everything is an excuse for offering more content. Encrypting channels that may be in a higher tier is fine as well. But the basic package should get the digital equivalent of what we get now. The only reason I can see to do it is to increase box rentals/ possible VOD.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20502637 Sun, 18 May 2008 17:15:11 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20501526 billymac :
said by rcnman See Profile :

By going all digital it allows us to deploy a large amount of HD channels. This wouldn't be possible if we maintained a large analog lineup.
Any announcements on the added HD channels that we will get after the conversion? The list posted earlier for the current Chicago lineup doesn't have any more HD than currently available in Boston (except the MDU people)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20501526 Sun, 18 May 2008 12:21:52 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20501510 billymac :
said by rcnman See Profile :

By going all digital it allows us to deploy a large amount of HD channels. This wouldn't be possible if we maintained a large analog lineup.
Which is unrelated to encryption....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20501510 Sun, 18 May 2008 12:18:14 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20501158 tigrzeye : I prefer better quality of picture so I SUPPORT the digital upgrade and more HD channels in an uncompressed format. I tried DirecTv for approximately 3 hours, saw the poor quality of picture and canceled immediately so as not to incur a penalty charge.

I DO NOT support RCN's position on going all digital with encryption and requiring separate STB's for each TV. But I think we are beating a dead horse.. RCN has made their decision and they don't care if we like it or not. The box rental fees and extra cost programming tiers mean revenue. If others are like myself, I don't have another choice in cable companies.

A rumor .. you only get the free digital STB and special rates for 2nd and 3rd boxes if you have NO STB's currently. If you already have a DVR, HD box, etc. then you don't qualify for the free and reduced rate STB's. It appears the free STB is being offered as an appeasement for basic cable subscribers that would lose their tv programming completely. I read this elsewhere, could RCN confirm or deny this here on the forum?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20501158 Sun, 18 May 2008 10:34:09 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20501079 rcnman :
said by mrbigk See Profile :

said by moulder3 See Profile :

I'd go one step further and suggest this tips the advantage to Dish and DirecTV, since their boxes have RF modulators. You can set up the boxes at your coax entrance point to the house, and have the second tuner work anywhere in the house, via a UHF remote.

This is why (in my opinion) RCN needs to step it up with their STBs. Their Motorola boxes STILL can't use passive HD (you have to choose between 720p or 1080i) and you can't use the second tuner for either PIP or as an output for a second tv.
Yeah, I have a hard time giving RCN or any cable company an advantage if the one of the main advantages cable has had is not requireing a box on every tv. If that goes, then yes, the scale would seem to favor the satelite companies. VOD is not reason alone to go with RCN.
By going all digital it allows us to deploy a large amount of HD channels. This wouldn't be possible if we maintained a large analog lineup.
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Network Operations]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20501079 Sun, 18 May 2008 10:00:36 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20500078 rcnman : Check again... :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20500078 Sat, 17 May 2008 23:40:09 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499166 mrbigk :
said by moulder3 See Profile :

I'd go one step further and suggest this tips the advantage to Dish and DirecTV, since their boxes have RF modulators. You can set up the boxes at your coax entrance point to the house, and have the second tuner work anywhere in the house, via a UHF remote.

This is why (in my opinion) RCN needs to step it up with their STBs. Their Motorola boxes STILL can't use passive HD (you have to choose between 720p or 1080i) and you can't use the second tuner for either PIP or as an output for a second tv.
Yeah, I have a hard time giving RCN or any cable company an advantage if the one of the main advantages cable has had is not requireing a box on every tv. If that goes, then yes, the scale would seem to favor the satelite companies. VOD is not reason alone to go with RCN.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499166 Sat, 17 May 2008 19:13:26 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499083 moulder3 :
said by mrbigk See Profile :

I find that having the ability on one of the other tvs in the house that having the "basic hd channels(not just locals as it has been for years)" via clear qam is fine. Hell, the cable companies going RCN's route offer no competitive advantage vs. satelite if all tv's require a box. This means that RCN, Comcast, Verizon, Direct TV and Dish Network will all require boxes. Price is a very important factor for RCN now.
I'd go one step further and suggest this tips the advantage to Dish and DirecTV, since their boxes have RF modulators. You can set up the boxes at your coax entrance point to the house, and have the second tuner work anywhere in the house, via a UHF remote.

This is why (in my opinion) RCN needs to step it up with their STBs. Their Motorola boxes STILL can't use passive HD (you have to choose between 720p or 1080i) and you can't use the second tuner for either PIP or as an output for a second tv.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20499083 Sat, 17 May 2008 18:51:43 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497821 billymac : So they removed the clearQAM HD and they have no HD cable boxes available in Boston. I was told to call back next week. Nice move. I guess I'm just SOL for the Celtics game.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497821 Sat, 17 May 2008 12:37:58 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497726 mrbigk : I Hope they realize Clear Qam was there competitive advantage in Boston.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497726 Sat, 17 May 2008 12:08:20 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497633 mrbigk : I find that having the ability on one of the other tvs in the house that having the "basic hd channels(not just locals as it has been for years)" via clear qam is fine. Hell, the cable companies going RCN's route offer no competitive advantage vs. satelite if all tv's require a box. This means that RCN, Comcast, Verizon, Direct TV and Dish Network will all require boxes. Price is a very important factor for RCN now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497633 Sat, 17 May 2008 11:41:10 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497615 nycityny :
said by mrbigk See Profile :

said by kshakir See Profile :

One thing I also don't understand- What does QAM encryption have to do with removing analog channels, or reducing bandwidth (without extra compression)? If anyone can explain it, thanks in advance!
It has absolutely nothing to do with removing analog or reducing bandwith. RCN decided that instead of offering Clear Qam channels to its subscribers as a competitive advantage, they were going to encrypt everything and offer more channels. Especially in the Boston Area where we have 3 providers. Its kind of short sighted in my opinion. If RCN feels they can afford to risk alienating any customers, so be it.
Isn't it ostensibly for security reasons that they are encrypting everything? They don't want folks to "steal" the signal from them anymore.

I personally think it is a bogus argument. One reason I went with RCN 11 years ago is that a cable box was not required for non-premium channels, vs such a requirement with Time Warner. Now the positions seem to be switching with RCN encrypting everything.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497615 Sat, 17 May 2008 11:35:13 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497572 mrbigk :
said by kshakir See Profile :

One thing I also don't understand- What does QAM encryption have to do with removing analog channels, or reducing bandwidth (without extra compression)? If anyone can explain it, thanks in advance!
It has absolutely nothing to do with removing analog or reducing bandwith. RCN decided that instead of offering Clear Qam channels to its subscribers as a competitive advantage, they were going to encrypt everything and offer more channels. Especially in the Boston Area where we have 3 providers. Its kind of short sighted in my opinion. If RCN feels they can afford to risk alienating any customers, so be it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497572 Sat, 17 May 2008 11:23:25 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497532 moulder3 :
said by kshakir See Profile :

When I saw I lost my clear-QAM HD this morning, I hoped it meant Somerville had caught up to Boston, but sadly no. I guess I'll keep waiting for July.
Boston is in the same boat as you. Only Newton (and surrounding areas) have HD channels 184-200. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497532 Sat, 17 May 2008 11:08:25 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497503 kshakir : When I saw I lost my clear-QAM HD this morning, I hoped it meant Somerville had caught up to Boston, but sadly no. I guess I'll keep waiting for July.

One thing I also don't understand- What does QAM encryption have to do with removing analog channels, or reducing bandwidth (without extra compression)? If anyone can explain it, thanks in advance!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20497503 Sat, 17 May 2008 10:58:54 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20495082 billymac : The removed WLVIDT & WSBKDT too. The only thing left on HD clear QAM is the 4 major's and PBS.

This is crap. I guess I'm calling Comcast on Monday]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20495082 Fri, 16 May 2008 19:08:43 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20490255 rcbrcb : s4v8...

Yep this is the exact same thing that happened in Chicago B4 RCN started the "Analog Crush". Encrytpting the ALL HD QAM Channels is the 1st step in the switch to Full Digital. You will no longer have access to the ANY HD QAM channels. After the Switch; the SD version of the LOCALS ONLY (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, etc) will still be avaliable via QAM but thats it. We tried here in Chicago to get then to reverse this decision, but we have been met with deaf ears!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20490255 Thu, 15 May 2008 22:26:57 EDT Re: [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20489020 clock : Yea, RCN is encrypting all QAM channels except for locals in preparation for the all digital transition. This thread has a little more info towards the end. »[CATV] HD on Demand....when ? The lineup will look like this when its done. »www.rcn.com/pdf/chicago_lineups_···1-14.pdf]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20489020 Thu, 15 May 2008 18:23:28 EDT [CATV] Clear QAM channels slowly disappearing in Boston? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20488699 s4v8 : Noticed that the following channels are no longer available through clear QAM:

Food
TBS
ESPN2
Discovery HD
Animal Planet
A&E
CNN HD
LMN HD
TLC HD

Is this a sign of upcoming changes in the Boston area?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20488699 Thu, 15 May 2008 17:28:37 EDT