k9iua6
join:2004-05-23
Dubuque, IA | reply to wth
Re: Channel Lineup Changes & Additions Let me restate the part "& HD channels" to read "Family cable HD channels", as there's really no reason to scramble the "family cable" digital channels, inculding the family cable HD channels. Ask your self this question: Mediacom didn't scramble the analog family cable channels, so why scramble the digital family cable channels?
Well, maybe they want to make more money with the value-added service of providing HD? Or maybe technically they can't do it yet due to lack of bandwidth in the clear (non-trapped) spectrum?
I'm sure it costs money for Mediacom to receive both the HD and SD versions of programming. Or money to convert the HD signal to the SD version for Family cable. Mediacom is entitled to get that paid for by subscribers.
Also, you mustn't forget that we are also dealing with franchise agreements with communities about what goes into program tiers. The FCC only dictates what must happen with the basic tier, and the "must carry" declaration by a local broadcaster only applies, IIRC, to the primary "channel". As the digital conversion continues, I expect to see franchise agreements, as they get renegotiated, to try to include more HD and clearQAM as they can. That will all take time, and Mediacom will stage it in a way that hopefully doesn't have them loose customers along the way or quality of service. |
