US Cable Support > Cable users > Charter is forcing everyone to have cable tv boxes

Charter is forcing everyone to have cable tv boxes

All cable companies agreed to delay switching, for three years, to all digital in June 2009. This was done to avoid confusion with the rabbit ear OTA change to all digital ATSC. The three years is over. Most cable companies offered a free box time period, when they gave out the digital to analog converter boxes to subscribers at no charge. Are you sure Charter did not have one of those time periods and you missed it? After that time period, the companies got tough and demanded payment for the boxes. The companies are not too concerned about the loss of customers who will be forced to leave because of non compliance. The freed up bandwidth is extremely valuable. It is needed for more and better HD video signals, better VOIP, and possibly better internet service. Analog is too inefficient and needs to be shut down. The cable companies are trying to use every bit of technology to pass more Bytes of data per second through the existing physical hybrid fiber coaxial infrastructure at the least long term cost. Goodbye analog cable video, you served us well, but your time has passed.

reply to novalight
Also realize any other provider in your area is also requiring a box for each TV:
DirecTV
Dish
AT&T Uverse
Verizon FIOS

In reality, Charter is just playing catch up.

I heard that Comcast will be encrypting all channels and every TV will soon require a cable box to receive any channels. So will I still be able to receive channels OTA with a digital antenna in the future? or will encryption disrupt this?

The regular ATSC OTA broadcasts will not be affected by what cable companies do with encryption. The OTA stations are discussing using the new ATSC M/H(Mobile/Handheld) as a paid subscription service. There are technical issues that may limit the ability to do that. We will just have to wait and see.

reply to DrDrew
if they are requiring a box and are encrypting all channels they should let you buy the box and not pay the high rent fee and or a high outlet fee.

reply to novalight
Switching to digital will gain more bandwidth for more channel options, also it will prevent cable stealing as you are required to have a box tied to your account.

As to your TV, if they are providing you with the DCT700 as listed on their site, the box will have a coaxial output and a video/audio out (composite - Yellow/Red/White). Your TV should have at least 1 of those inputs.

reply to Joe12345678
It's unfortunate that they are charging for the boxes. Some providers give at least 2 free to compensate for the change.

As to buying a box, the downfall is the high cost (if you can buy one that is) and that you are bound to the manufacturer of the box. Once that box is out of warranty, you will have a high cost to repair/replace. Renting equipment helps you with that.

Besides, $5 is high for a box? If you have a DVR box then that would drive the cost up Add HD to that then it would be more.

reply to novalight
You could get a TV with a CableCARD slot and just ask for a CableCARD, then you won't need a box.
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CompTIA Network+ Certified

There is a Charter forum.

reply to ajwees41