Topic 'Re: [HD] HD costs extra?' in forum 'Comcast Cable TV' - dslreports.com

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:33:36 EDT

telcodad posted : An item in the cable news roundup article on the Light Reading Cable site today:

"TiVo: Just Say No to Old Set-Top Sales
TiVo Inc. has joined the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny a waiver request from Adams Cable Equipment Inc. that's looking to let MSOs sell refurbished cable boxes with integrated security directly to consumers. The request "should be denied or at least significantly narrowed," TiVo told the Commission (»fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/···21858696). TiVo's chapped because the request to lift the ban on integrated security boxes, as written, would seem to let any cable operators sell all sorts of models, including high-end HD-DVRs. But TiVo is interested in knowing how many boxes Baja Broadband, a small MSO that sells some Motorola Mobility Inc. boxes in partnership with ACE, has been able to sell. ACE estimates that it has 50,000 boxes in inventory. TiVo argues that the effort "appears to be little more than a pretext for ACE to sell refurbished boxes.""

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:26:18 EDT

telcodad posted :

said by telcodad:

Well, it looks like the ability to actually purchase a cable box (albeit an old refurbished one) in the U.S. is becoming a bit more of a possibility:

ACE Plan Would Let MSOs Sell Old Set-Tops
Light Reading Cable - January 27, 2012
»www.lightreading.com/document.as···r_cable&

As expected, from this blog article by Jeff Baumgartner on the Light Reading Cable site, the CEA has filed their objection to ACE's waiver request:

A New Battle Brews About Old Set-Tops
By Jeff Baumgartner, Light Reading Cable - February 1, 2012
»www.lightreading.com/blog.asp?bl···lr_cable

ACE's response to the CEA's objection to their waiver request:

ACE: Selling Old Set-Tops Won't Derail Retail
Light Reading Cable - February 7, 2012
»www.lightreading.com/document.as···r_cable&

"Adams Cable Equipment Inc. defended its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) waiver request that aims to let MSOs sell refurbished set-tops with integrated security -- something that the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is trying to stop, claiming that such a waiver would hinder efforts to create a true retail market from forming. ACE argued in a reply to the CEA's objections (»fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/···21858265) that the waiver would keep the spirit of the FCC's July 2007 mandate intact because it would give consumers a first-ever shot at buying low-cost cable set-tops via a retail channel. ACE also shot down a suggestion that the request would be limited to the 50,000 integrated security set-tops it currently has in inventory. While those boxes "would be sufficient to cover demand for some time, if ACE had the opportunity to acquire and sell more devices, that would represent a policy success for the Commission, not a threat or a failure," the company said."

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:08:30 EDT

joako posted :

said by yhp:

HD "access" is an extra itemized item on most plans. Remember, just because a Comcast plan "includes" HD channels, that doesn't mean you'll actually have access to any HD -- which is kinda what this whole thread is about. :)

And that's the problem. On top of their plans/packages being extremely obtuse, Comcast simply has no clue what they offer much less trains any of their employees from sales to "customer account executive" on what they offer. They went as far as dispatching a technician to for the "not authorized" (you would figure everyone gets QVC HD) messages. I called many times and I was told on multiple occasions the RNG150N "is not an HD box" but never told anything about the plan. At least the tech they sent was knowledgeable and even had a correct channel lineup (the one on Comcast.com was incorrect) but even then due to Comcast's backwardness they were unable to even add the correct package to the account.

The $8.95 "HD" fee was added last month -- and I was assured it would get me the HD versions of the current channels, never really had time to verify if it worked or not. But who would pay that when you can get exactly what the offer, and more actually, with an OTA antenna.

The plan I was sold doesn't even include the channels I wanted. I have it in writing from the sales rep it does. Everyone told me the service didn't need a cable box -- it does. Everyone at Comcast constantly gives incorrect and contradicting answers, a magic 8 ball would be just as accurate. The only thing Comcast excels at is providing a Comcastic experience.
--
PRescott7-2097

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:29:24 EDT

yhp posted : [EDIT: Never mind. I see from other thread you have business service...]

What $29.95 plan? Economy? Family Tier?

Given the choice between shelling out an extra $8.95/mo for HD locals only and an extra $20/mo for what sounds simply like a plan with HD channels (and not necessarily HD "access" - your post isn't clear, unless you are talking about multiple outlets) it might make some sense to consider DVR service. For $16.95/mo. you'll get HD access, an okay box, and you can get it on top of Digital Economy, base price of which is $29.95 to $34.95 per month, depending on market.

HD "access" is an extra itemized item on most plans. Remember, just because a Comcast plan "includes" HD channels, that doesn't mean you'll actually have access to any HD -- which is kinda what this whole thread is about. :)

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:28:35 EDT

joako posted : So I have $29.95 plan and don't get the SD channels in HD. Need to upgrade to a higher plan for +$20/month to get the HD channels! $8.95 HD fee only covers the LOCAL channels (and ESPN 3D)
--
PRescott7-2097

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:57:52 EDT

obckilroy posted :

said by Joe12345678:

the carp DTA's that you have to rent and can't get the full payed for channel line up.

DTA's don't get the premiums, but then again neither did the strait analog basic cable they replaced

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:03:23 EDT

The Q posted : I see. Points taken!

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:05:45 EDT

dishrich posted :

said by The Q:

I thought comcast gave out free dtas? Mine doesn't cost me anything extra (yet).

Yea...the first TWO; the 3rd + are $2 each

DCT 2000s are not worth $50.

IF you are comparing to a stripped-down DTA, for an SDTV - YES they are!

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:47:12 EDT

The Q posted :

said by Joe12345678:

Selling DCT2000s to customers for $50 a pop is better then the carp DTA's that you have to rent and can't get the full payed for channel line up.

I thought comcast gave out free dtas? Mine doesn't cost me anything extra (yet). DCT 2000s are not worth $50.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:32:22 EDT

Joe12345678 posted : Selling DCT2000s to customers for $50 a pop is better then the carp DTA's that you have to rent and can't get the full payed for channel line up.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:50:36 EDT

jkj860 posted :

said by Zoder:

said by Joe12345678:

But $200 is better then $8 /m for ever.

Just got my new bill. Now it's 9.95 a month from 8.50 :mad:

Mine went from 7.95 to 8.95 this month for non dvr hd box, however the website still shows 7.95/month.
--
I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I am not sure you realize what you heard is not what I meant. Nixon

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:11:56 EDT

telcodad posted :

said by telcodad:

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:29:47 EDT

scanpa posted :

said by Joe12345678:

Shaw has good prices for NEW boxes and RENT TO own.

»www.shaw.ca/Television/Equipment/

Has nothing to do with the subject

Those STB / DVR boxes are not FCC Certified for USA use.

not to mention, there OOB frequency set is different then the set we use here.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:12:42 EDT

gar187er posted : why do we care what a canadian cable co does?
--
I'm better than you!

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:17:51 EDT

Joe12345678 posted : Shaw has good prices for NEW boxes and RENT TO own.

»www.shaw.ca/Television/Equipment/

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:59:09 EDT

GTFan posted :

said by telcodad:

Well, it looks like the ability to actually purchase a cable box (albeit an old refurbished one) in the U.S. is becoming a bit more of a possibility:

And then Comcast will charge you an outlet fee for the privilege, which is exactly what they're doing today in many areas for Cablecard users.
A clear violation of the new FCC rules, I might add, which state that Cablecard rates must be uniformly applied at one published rate.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:08:28 EDT

scanpa posted : Now that's funny. They want to sell those old clunkers to users of Baja Broadband. And then others. LOL Comcast is working on removing these POS from there Stock, but there are so many of them still in use, it's not even funny.

$49.99 for DCT-2000 (sorry not worth $5.00)
$89.99 for DCT-2500
$299.99 for DCT-6412p3 or DCT-6416

all retail sales will include a 1 year warranty.

ROFLMAO my cell phone does more then these clunkers (Doorstops) can do.

Baja Broadband must be a very low level cable system.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:49:54 EDT

mikedz4 posted : I wonder how many people would pay $300 for a dct box? If they sold newer boxes like the ones we rent today for a price comparable to the newer tivos more people would buy them.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:43:46 EDT

telcodad posted : Well, it looks like the ability to actually purchase a cable box (albeit an old refurbished one) in the U.S. is becoming a bit more of a possibility:

ACE Plan Would Let MSOs Sell Old Set-Tops
Light Reading Cable - January 27, 2012
»www.lightreading.com/document.as···r_cable&

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:27:00 EDT

bohratom posted :

said by Zoder:

said by wdsnls:

Just to clarify this to other posters, this is an increase to $9.95 per/STB.

Yes. That's per STB.

STB's in Jersey increased to $9.25 (SD or HD). Glad I switched to FIOS last year as they only charge $5.99 and when you need 5 it adds up. :D

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:55:02 EDT

Zoder posted :

said by wdsnls:

Just to clarify this to other posters, this is an increase to $9.95 per/STB.

Yes. That's per STB.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:44:29 EDT

wdsnls posted :

said by Zoder:

said by Joe12345678:

But $200 is better then $8 /m for ever.

Just got my new bill. Now it's 9.95 a month from 8.50 :mad:

Just to clarify this to other posters, this is an increase to $9.95 per/STB.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:55:11 EDT

rody_44 posted : That isnt correct. Its in the contract but when a hd feed gets added the rates always went up to match a hd counterpart. Hd was never free to the providers.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:06:07 EDT

yhp posted :

said by tranle:

said by Joe12345678:

But $200 is better then $8 /m for ever.

Your $200 purchase does not last for ever either. If you want a new version you need to re-purchase another box.

Well, that's the difference between ownership and renting, which most people realize without the help of car or appliance analogies. I'd FULLY EXPECT replacement on anything I was renting (obvious misuse and human damage notwithstanding). The person from whom I'm renting isn't doing me any favors replacing it when it dies. That's what renting is all about.

But in the meantime, a purchaser of one's own (theoretical, at this point) DVR would have had (for 2 years, maybe three tops, sure) a REAL DVR with REAL functions of his or her choosing: editing, high-speed dubbing, chaptering, bookmarking, splitting, joining, dumping to DVD, channel lineup editing, title changes, add-on storage capacity, the ability to schlep it someone else's house if necessary, etc: whatever things one's heart desired and the free market offered.

Comcast "DVR" service, OTOH, is nothing but rudimentary time-shifting service. When Comcast's saints "gift" you with "new" hardware, it's simply because no one in their right mind will rent something which doesn't work.

And that "new" hardware is still nothing but an appliance which permits rudimentary time shifting. The DVRs available in 2003 and 2004 put Comcast DVR features to shame. So for some people - yes, they'd absolutely rather blow $400 and have great fun for two years, even if it culminates in a fried hunk of metal, than spend $192 renting a rudimentary time-shifting appliance for the same amount of time.

Apples and oranges.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:55:14 EDT

Zoder posted :

said by Joe12345678:

But $200 is better then $8 /m for ever.

Just got my new bill. Now it's 9.95 a month from 8.50 :mad:

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:10:03 EDT

SPOOZ posted :

said by telcodad:

Do most programmers supply separate SD and HD (if available) feeds to Comcast, or do they just supply an HD feed that Comcast just downconverts to an SD version themselves?

Most programming providers have both a SD feed and a HD feed.

said by telcodad:

If separate SD and HD feeds are provided, do programmers charge an extra fee for the HD version?

It depends on the contract the cable or satellite provider has with the programming provider.
Most programming providers make you get the SD feed before you can get the HD feed, however if you buy the SD feed, the HD feed is free.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:44:34 EDT

telcodad posted : Do most programmers supply separate SD and HD (if available) feeds to Comcast, or do they just supply an HD feed that Comcast just downconverts to an SD version themselves?

If separate SD and HD feeds are provided, do programmers charge an extra fee for the HD version?

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:56:52 EDT

Caddyroger posted :

said by Floppy:

Who says the rate increase is to purchase new boxes? Sure that maybe a small part of it. However; just to name a couple: take into account, programming (especially sports) fees go up every year. Also electricity rates go up every year especially for the headends which have 100s of servers running 24/7.

A small part for new boxes because they don't buy 1/2 to 3/4 million boxes every 2 to 3 years
I was just every wants Comcast to spend millions of dollars every two years or so they can throw away good working boxes. They are raising rates no how do you think they will raise when buying all at once new stb
Do you go buy a new refrigerator, stove dish washer, washing machine, drier, tv, Their are new models every year
--
Caddy

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:27:05 EDT

Floppy posted : Who says the rate increase is to purchase new boxes? Sure that maybe a small part of it. However; just to name a couple: take into account, programming (especially sports) fees go up every year. Also electricity rates go up every year especially for the headends which have 100s of servers running 24/7.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:21:40 EDT

Caddyroger posted :

said by obckilroy:

said by GTFan:

This is in the running for dumb analogy of the year, but it's early.

Thanks, I was being facetious.
How "dumb" is it to expect a cable provider to replace every box in their system every time a new model is available?

People wants the new equipment but raises hell when there is a rate increase to buy 100 of thousand cable boxes the same year that the came out.
--
Caddy

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:25:39 EDT

obckilroy posted :

said by GTFan:

This is in the running for dumb analogy of the year, but it's early.

Thanks, I was being facetious.
How "dumb" is it to expect a cable provider to replace every box in their system every time a new model is available?

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:24:32 EDT

QLR posted : I'm one of those with a box and no fee. I am able to watch certain channels in HD. I am able to see the locals, most of the Discovery channels, E, USA, History, CNN, Fox News, AMC, and Disney. Most HD channels are blocked.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:53:31 EDT

GTFan posted :

said by obckilroy:

But yeah, everyone should have the latest equipment every year no matter what. I think I'm going to complain to the credit union that has my car note and DEMAND a NEW CAR every year until my note is paid off.

This is in the running for dumb analogy of the year, but it's early.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:09:00 EDT

joako posted : When you buy a car you actually get to pick what you are buying.

Paying $100-200 a month for cable service, about 25% of which is equipment fees... you bet I would demand the latest equipment. Why should I pay for an infeior DVR when someone else pays the same for the newest model?

And yes when I had Comcast had had to swap out about 3 different Phase III DVR in a short period of time because they had excessively noisy fans or hard drives.
--
PRescott7-2097

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:54:30 EDT

Joe12345678 posted : you have the choice to buy the car with out being forced to rent them.

Now what if you where forced to rent and they just gave you any car they had some being 3-5 years old and the rent price is the same for a 3-5+ year old one as a new one.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:27:55 EDT

obckilroy posted : The boxes get replaced when they fail, or when a tech comes across an ancient box and has an extra on their truck.

But yeah, everyone should have the latest equipment every year no matter what. I think I'm going to complain to the credit union that has my car note and DEMAND a NEW CAR every year until my note is paid off.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:40:52 EDT

Joe12345678 posted : look at the cable industry the systems are full of 5-6+ year old boxes and they still hand out boxes that are 2-3+ years old.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:52:30 EDT

tranle posted :

said by Joe12345678:

But $200 is better then $8 /m for ever.

Your $200 purchase does not last for ever either. If you want a new version you need to re-purchase another box. Just look at your current tv, dvd/blu-ray player and cell phone, if you have consistently kept them for more than 2 year then buying a $200 tivo is the correct pattern for you otherwise just go with the comcast box which you can return/exchange for a new one any time you like.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:16:37 EDT

Joe12345678 posted : But $200 is better then $8 /m for ever.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:42:04 EDT

JohnInSJ posted :

said by yhp:

said by blust2:

$8 is really worth it because of the much higher resolution.

Whether it's worth it is up to the individual customer. What's causing the head-scratching is that in an only-increasing number of minds, HD is old news and "access" to it is not a $96/yr premium.

At some point in the future, everyone will agree that language like "HD Access" is as farcical as "color TV access" sounds today, but in the meantime, Comcast gets to claim annual rates at $96/yr less than many households' realities.

I'm old enough to remember the head scratching over the touch tone fee from Ma Bell for the better part of a decade. So, yeah, check back in 10 years :)
--
My place : »www.schettino.us

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:27:01 EDT

mikedz4 posted : DirecTV DOES have Free Hd BUT you must have choice extra package or higher AND enroll in Automatic bill pay to get free HD. So it's not really free.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:10:06 EDT

Night0wl posted : Not all providers charge extra for HD service, for instance, TWC NYC/NJ . The digital cable package is the same price regardless if subscriber has a regular tv or HD tv.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:00:53 EDT

tranle posted :

said by Joe12345678:

But on the there IPTV and satellite tv. YOU CAN BUY THE BOX or rent to own WITH no outlet fees. And they have theme packs as well.

They way I see this is. If you buy a box at $200 compared to monthly fee of $8, this is roughly equivalent at 25 month lease (2 year). A bit short but it is equivalent of a usage pattern for cell phone or a laptop.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:18:28 EDT

Floppy posted :

said by yhp:

Obviously. Now the only question is whether Comcast's high prices and pedestrian products represent sirloin steak or rice and beans. LOL.

Only you as their customer can make that determination. You choose to disconnect or keep the service. Regardless the service is consider a luxury and isn't needed for survive. Also I wouldn't consider sirloin steak a luxury that title belongs to filet mignon.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:22:10 EDT

Joe12345678 posted : But on the there IPTV and satellite tv. YOU CAN BUY THE BOX or rent to own WITH no outlet fees. And they have theme packs as well.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:15:25 EDT

tranle posted : If you have the "standard" subscription the HD box will cost you ~ $8 (as you have noticed) but if you only have "limited basic" the HD box is only $2.5 which is a lot more reasonable but you only the few over the air hd of your location.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:35:55 EDT

Zoder posted :

said by yhp:

At some point, trying to paint this basic service as a luxury will seem dumb and embarrassing even to the geniuses at 17th and JFK, but maybe not: if they're not embarrassed by their Motorola guide software, I'm guessing they're pretty much immune to the concept.

Never underestimate corporate greed. Bell Canada still charges all customers a $2.80 touch tone fee. The fee is waived if you still have a rotary phone :uhh:

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:03:20 EDT

yhp posted :

said by Floppy:

Regardless of a HD or SD television; it is entertainment. It is luxury. You don't need it to survive.

Obviously. Now the only question is whether Comcast's high prices and pedestrian products represent sirloin steak or rice and beans. LOL.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:57:36 EDT

Floppy posted :

said by yhp:

said by rody_44:

My reasoning is if a product cost more for the provider to supply That extra cost should be passed on to only the subs that use it.

The thing is, "HD" and "flat screen" are no longer luxury-priced items.

Regardless of a HD or SD television; it is entertainment. It is luxury. You don't need it to survive.

Re: [HD] HD costs extra?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:05:42 EDT

yhp posted :

said by rody_44:

My reasoning is if a product cost more for the provider to supply That extra cost should be passed on to only the subs that use it.

It seems that Comcast is quite capable of dinging customers for the number of screens in a household, which is certainly one way to roughly estimate "extra cost" (if you buy into the idea in the first place that the extra cost here is based on the number of bits delivered, rather than the principle of "because we can").

It's also one way to roughly estimate income, which is in fact probably the guiding principle here (setting aside contracts which give programming providers more $$ per outlet). The thing is, "HD" and "flat screen" are no longer luxury-priced items. They're no longer a rarity. They're definitely not "Cadillac"-level living.

At some point, trying to paint this basic service as a luxury will seem dumb and embarrassing even to the geniuses at 17th and JFK, but maybe not: if they're not embarrassed by their Motorola guide software, I'm guessing they're pretty much immune to the concept.