Comcast's $35 Digital Conversion Dongle - Prepares order for 25 million of them...

Comcast's $35 Digital Conversion Dongle - Prepares order for 25 million of them...
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Comcast's $35 Digital Conversion Dongle
Prepares order for 25 million of them...
(old news - 11:28AM Monday Feb 25 2008)
tags: business · hardware · cable · networking · Comcast

The FCC and cable industry have alerted the nation's grandmothers that the digital TV transition will arrive on February 17, 2009, resulting in no Price Is Right for those who still enjoy TV on analog sets and rabbit ears. The FCC is in the process of mailing two $40 coupons for digital converter boxes to anyone who requests them. For users in Comcast territory, the company has apparently sent out an RFP for vendors to design a $35 DTA (Digital Terminal Adapter) that basic users can use instead of a pint-sized cable box:

COO Steve Burke discussed on the company’s fourth quarter conference call the idea of migrating 20 percent of the MSO’s footprint to all-digital during the “back half” of 2008. In those scenarios, it’s expected that Comcast will continue to deliver a small basic analog lineup of roughly 30 channels, but move its expanded basic analog tier to the digital domain. In doing so, it looks to reclaim upwards of 40 channels and reapply them toward expanded high-definition services or for fresh spectrum for Docsis 3.0.

The company is looking to order about 25 million of the devices.

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b10010011 @ 25th Feb 11:35AM:
Am I missing something here?

I thought the great digital TV transition on February 17, 2009 only effects over the air broadcast TV, not cable TV?
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S_engineer @ 25th Feb 11:38AM:
Comcrap

So if I read between the lines....I see Comcrap wants to raise my rates even more to pay for this "digital turnover recovery fee". Plus I will have the added advantage of paying more on a monthly basis to see the cooking channel, QVC, and Lifetime in Hi-def?

Am I reading this right?
--
"There is no such thing as public opinion. There is only published opinion."....Winston Churchill

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AZwldcats @ 25th Feb 11:38AM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

said by b10010011 :

I thought the great digital TV transition on February 17, 2009 only effects over the air broadcast TV, not cable TV?

You are correct... But Comcast wants to also go all digital.. Or close to it...
reply

PGHammer @ 25th Feb 11:50AM:
Re: Comcrap

The idea (per Steve Burke) is for Comcast to provide these devices *instead* of STBs for the most basic of outlets, and at no cost to the subscriber. The reason *for* these devices is that, for economy or *lifeline basic* customers, *any* STB (even the super-cheapies such as the Motorola DCT-711) is a non-starter. Also, some customers don't want an STB at all, regardless of price. These external devices will *not* be HD-capable, any more than the DCT-7xx boxes are (they aren't), so if you want HD (and are a Comcast customer) you will *still* need the bigger STB. The one advantage cable has (over satellite or telcos) is that, by and large, no STB is needed for the lowest-end channels. Comcast in particular, wants to keep that advantage (and you can best believe that smaller cable providers will want these same devices once they get developed, as they are in an even bigger pickle than Comcast regarding the transition).
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Niarlan @ 25th Feb 12:05PM:
Reap the Goverment whirlwind

Soo...someone in Comcast saw that the Gov was giving our $40 vouchers to folks and said hmm...maybe we can cash in on this too.

dang...

Nia
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wth @ 25th Feb 12:09PM:
Sooner or later cable will need a box

Most cable companys will convert to digital in the next couple of years. They can get 2+ HD channels into the space one analog channel takes. They don't need to convert on or B4 2/19/09, but most of them will sooner or later. Then Cable will be like D* & E*, as you will need some kind of box for every tv.
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morbo @ 25th Feb 12:13PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by PGHammer :

and at no cost to the subscriber.

except for 24/7 365 days/yr electricity needed to power the device, of course.
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Jerm @ 25th Feb 12:18PM:
Re: Reap the Goverment whirlwind

Not exactly. The gov coupons specifically exclude QAM capable boxes - which means the boxes won't work on cable, just OTA broadcasts.

Now theoretically a cable co could simply receive the OTA signal and put it down their wires in same format, but it would be a huge waste of bandwidth and thus they don't do that.
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jester121 @ 25th Feb 12:28PM:
Re: Comcrap

I'm pretty sure that the phrase "lifeline basic" should be left in the arena of telephone service; I'm pretty sure that cable TV is still a luxury.
reply

S_engineer @ 25th Feb 12:28PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by PGHammer :

* The reason *for* these devices is that, for economy or *lifeline basic* customers, *any* STB (even the super-cheapies such as the Motorola DCT-711) is a non-starter.

There's *always* a cost to the subscriber. Comcrap dosent offer a free lifeline service,so this would be added as a fee. Plus, to think that this rfp expense won't be passed on to the consumer is niave!
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JPuppy @ 25th Feb 12:30PM:
Excellent Idea

Despite what others may think, this is nothing more than an attempt by Comcast to free up valuable bandwidth. As stated before, each 6 MHz analog slot could comfortably fit 2 SD digital channels.

The reason they can't do this is because yokels will throw a fit if they can't plug that coax right into their TV.

Comcast sees this as their prime (and possibly only) opportunity to nudge those people into upgrading to digital, by using a dumbed down D/A converter box.
--
Only through the criticizing of others can we learn to love ourselves.
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voipguy @ 25th Feb 12:39PM:
Re: Excellent Idea

...each 6 MHz analog slot could comfortably fit 2 SD digital channels...

Make that 6 SD digital channels, or 2 HD digital channels.
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plat2on1 @ 25th Feb 12:42PM:
Re: Reap the Goverment whirlwind

but i bet those boxes are QAM capable just disabled in firmware to meet the government's requirements.

with a simple software change manufacturers could sell the same box to cablecos.

sounds like a win/win for everyone.
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kyler13 @ 25th Feb 12:54PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by morbo :

said by PGHammer :

and at no cost to the subscriber.

except for 24/7 365 days/yr electricity needed to power the device, of course.

Which probably operates in the noise of your electric bill, certainly nowhere near the $4-$5/month you might get charged for a full service box.

Doesn't Verizon FIOS have a similar watered-down box that they charge $1 less per month than the digital STB?
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eljay001 @ 25th Feb 12:56PM:
Re: Sooner or later cable will need a box

That's an annoying idea. In the 1980s we had cable boxes. Then as tuners in the TVs improved, during 1990s we generally shed them. Now in the "digital" era we're back to boxes and cable companies are doing all they can to discourage something convenient like the CableCARD.
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PGHammer @ 25th Feb 12:56PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by kyler13 :

said by morbo :

said by PGHammer :

and at no cost to the subscriber.

except for 24/7 365 days/yr electricity needed to power the device, of course.

VZ's low-end box is the same DCT-711 that Comcast deploys in Motorola areas.
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Ebolla @ 25th Feb 01:04PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by S_engineer :

There's *always* a cost to the subscriber.

5 years ago, Internet 1meg=$42.95
Today, Internet 6meg+powerboost=$42.95

Thats a huge differance in the cost increase huh. Not EVERYTHING is auto charged for more.
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S_engineer @ 25th Feb 01:09PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by Ebolla :

said by S_engineer :

There's *always* a cost to the subscriber.

5 years ago, Internet 1meg=$42.95
Today, Internet 6meg+powerboost=$42.95

Thats a huge differance in the cost increase huh. Not EVERYTHING is auto charged for more.

What was your fee structure 5 years ago compared to today?
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anon @ 25th Feb 01:44PM:
Re: Sooner or later cable will need a box

So?

You needed a cable box in the 80's because those cheap 70's-80’s TVs were not Cable-Ready. Manufacturers got with the times and released “Cable Ready” TVs and you shed the cable box.

Now you need a cable box because your cheap 90’s-00’s TV is not Digital Ready. Yet all TVs made after 2007 pretty much feature a digital QAM tuner…. so you can again shed the cable box.

You basically just nullified your own gripe.
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Ebolla @ 25th Feb 01:37PM:
Re: Comcrap

yes my costs for channels have gone up, but so has the number of channels and the amount of vod content. I now also have 2 DVR's and TiVo services. My internet costs have stayed the same and my phone services actually dropped in cost.
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anon @ 25th Feb 02:08PM:
Re: Sooner or later cable will need a box

You can probably count the number of TVs made after 2007 that support cable cards with one hand.
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YukonHawk @ 25th Feb 02:10PM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

b1001....That's what I thought also. In reply to ....

Am I missing something here?

I thought the great digital TV transition on February 17, 2009 only effects over the air broadcast TV, not cable TV?
reply

itguy05 @ 25th Feb 02:21PM:
Re: Sooner or later cable will need a box

said by AnonDude86 :

You can probably count the number of TVs made after 2007 that support cable cards with one hand.

Our 2005 Philips plasma from Costco supports CableCard....
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Richard B @ 25th Feb 02:25PM:
Gunning for people like me.

I am one of those customers who the Digital Terminal Adapter is targeting. i am not a grandma but a tech wise 47 year old. My original plan is after feb 2009 I will just allow my subscription to expire rather than go digital. I only pay 8.00 for basic because it cheaper than just buying HSI alone. I would have simple downgraded back to Verizon DSL.

Unlike some here I a bit more finally mature I do not need to spend my hard earn money to buy the latest toys. I do not need to brag about my penis size or in the same vain equivalent, the size and type of my TV and how many HD channels I got. I do not see LCD TV in my future until I can get a 28" for around $200. I am not pay over $65 for service I rather go back to dial up before pay $59 for HSI.
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plat2on1 @ 25th Feb 02:34PM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

said by YukonHawk :

b1001....That's what I thought also. In reply to ....

Am I missing something here?

I thought the great digital TV transition on February 17, 2009 only effects over the air broadcast TV, not cable TV?

as far as the law is concerned it does. but cable has its own plans to reclaim bandwidth that is wasted on analog tv.
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eljay001 @ 25th Feb 03:09PM:
Re: Sooner or later cable will need a box

QAM tuners in TVs are great until they decide to encrypt the content.
reply

RadioDoc @ 25th Feb 03:11PM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

Comcast is not wasting this opportunity to cash in on the confusion by telling people that the only way they'll be able to continue to watch TV is to sign up for cable, and not just basic cable either...
--
Toolmaster of La Grange.
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Hangmn @ 25th Feb 03:24PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by Ebolla :

5 years ago, Internet 1meg=$42.95
Today, Internet 6meg+powerboost=$42.95

Thats a huge differance in the cost increase huh. Not EVERYTHING is auto charged for more.

None of these points are REMOTELY releavent..the topic is:
Comcast's $35 Digital Conversion Dongle
and the staement was this RFP will be passed on to the consumer..
reply

XBL2007 @ 25th Feb 03:58PM:
Cheap Bastards

Just pony up the $50 per home and get everyone on the same page with all digital STB.
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Ebolla @ 25th Feb 03:58PM:
Re: Comcrap

read up, yes it is relevant, he stated that there is always a charge associated with a change. I stated CHSI hadn't changed price though the services themselves did. Is CHSI/CDV/Cable the device we are speaking about? no. Is it relevant that changes have been made in system that came down to no increase cost to consumer? yes.
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meister_sd @ 25th Feb 04:10PM:
Re: Sooner or later cable will need a box

said by Digital OTA :

You basically just nullified your own gripe.

Try getting Cox to get it working.... A friend of mine has reps out for over a week trying to figure it out. He finally had to get the box anyway.
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RadioDoc @ 25th Feb 04:42PM:
Re: Comcrap

You might want to investigate a bit. The HSI pricing has not increased as much as cable TV because that is cross-subsidized from the much less competitive video business.
--
Toolmaster of La Grange.
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anon @ 25th Feb 06:44PM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

Yeah, the big "slanted" cable TV sales pitch begins.

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TK Junk Mail @ 25th Feb 05:07PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by S_engineer :

said by PGHammer :

* The reason *for* these devices is that, for economy or *lifeline basic* customers, *any* STB (even the super-cheapies such as the Motorola DCT-711) is a non-starter.

B.S. My parents got a DCT700 last year at no cost or change in their bill. Comcast ate the cost in order to convert all the people still on analog STBs in Philadelphia. This new dongle is an even cheaper, simpler version of the DCT700.
--
My BLOG .. .. Internet News .. .. My Web Page
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Gyzm0 @ 25th Feb 05:24PM:
Stop buy boos and cancer sticks.......

.....for a year and save the money for a digital tv.
--
"You can run....but you only die tired"
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fiberguy @ 25th Feb 05:46PM:
Re: Comcrap

Will ANYONE ever be happy? Sheesh!
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fiberguy @ 25th Feb 05:48PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by S_engineer :

said by PGHammer :

* The reason *for* these devices is that, for economy or *lifeline basic* customers, *any* STB (even the super-cheapies such as the Motorola DCT-711) is a non-starter.

Neither does phone.. the TAXPAYERS offer the free service.

I know what you mean, but I wanted it to be PERFECTLY clear that phone does NOT give you anything free.. they are still paid.. and that lifeline service isn't 100% free to all people. Some people go above the level of service and receive a baseline credit.
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Greg_Z @ 25th Feb 06:15PM:
Re: Excellent Idea

SD takes up more bandwidth then HD.
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bear73 @ 25th Feb 07:03PM:
Re: Comcrap

well THATS a silly quiestion...

momma always said...
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Chuckles @ 25th Feb 07:29PM:
Re: Comcrap

Universal Services are free. But it it's like 6 or 7 public access channels only. Atleast in the Twin Cities area of MN.
--
kustomerservice.net
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Chuckles @ 25th Feb 07:50PM:
Re: Excellent Idea

Hows that when SD takes up less room on your DVR?
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Greg_Z @ 25th Feb 07:57PM:
Re: Excellent Idea

The comment is about Transmission of the SD broadcast, not saving it on a DVR, which when broadcast, in the bandwidth of a SD broadcast, 2 HD channels can be compressed into that same space. But on a DVR, SD takes up less space on a DVR, then HD.
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Tigerpaw509 @ 25th Feb 07:57PM:
Re: Comcrap

Well it would be half baked HD at best
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bobny1 @ 25th Feb 08:13PM:
Money talks!

It's like companies selling packaged Linux to customers who can other wise get the OS for free.
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neufuse @ 25th Feb 08:27PM:
QAM?

So is comcast going to unencrypted QAM or what? do people with QAM tuners need to buy one of these? if so what's the point of a QAM tuner anymore? I sure hope this is going to be in the clear QAM which is what it should of been a long time ago! QAM sucks when 99% of the content is encrypted and all you get is locals unencrypted.... I can see encrypting stuff like HBO, showtime, cinemax, ppv all that stuff, but when you buy extended cable you should get all those channels digitally in the clear!
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panth1 @ 25th Feb 08:33PM:
Did Pace develope one of these already?

I remember reading about Pace Micro creating one of these devices years ago that turned digital QAM carriers back into analog form.

Sounds like this is what Comcast is looking for.
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anon @ 25th Feb 09:09PM:
its not just the yokels

It's not just the yokels who will throw a fit. I will throw a fit too. Now I need three boxes on two TV's, and I have to get one with a serial port just to have slightly less than what I have now with no boxes?? That's nonsensical. I have a TiVo and a TV with pip, and none of that would work right with digital. It's all analog. The hybrid model they have now works well, beacuse most people don't want a box on every TV. Most people I know have digital cable, but only on one or two TVs, not all 4 or 5 or 6 most people seem to have. Now these things are all going to be wasting power, doing a job that the built in tuners did before. Cripes. Now I could see a de-fattening of the expanded basic to the higher up digital channels, there is a lot of fat in there, but the essentials need to stay analog. That has already happened to a certain extent.
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nanoflower @ 25th Feb 09:41PM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

Ugh. I really thought Comcast might not go this way. They have already moved a few channels every year to digital, but now it seems they want to move most of them there. I hate the idea because it's impossible to watch a channel and record another one at the same time. It's also a hassle to set up a VCR to record with a digital box which is why I returned my set top box long ago.

I wonder if they are also going to start charging people rent for the digital settop boxes they are going to force the customer to receive the expanded basic channels. I know they charge for any extra settop boxes so anyone with two or more TVs would end up paying money to watch those expanded channels on their second TV. So this move would actually end up making Comcast more money from the expanded services they can offer from the reclaimed frequencies and the rental fees. What a great deal... For them.
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dvd536 @ 25th Feb 09:54PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by Ebolla :

said by S_engineer :

There's *always* a cost to the subscriber.

5 years ago, Internet 1meg=$42.95
Today, Internet 6meg+powerboost=$42.95

Thats a huge differance in the cost increase huh. Not EVERYTHING is auto charged for more.

Only because the video subs are subsidizing HSI.
video subs get a rate hike everytime the wind blows.
--
You can never be too rich, too thin or have too much Bandwidth
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Georgiaboy @ 25th Feb 09:59PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by fiberguy :

Will ANYONE ever be happy? Sheesh!

\
Has anybody noticed how this will only affect 20% of the footprint? I'm certainly not worried. I honestly don't think anyone in my market should be.
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patcat88 @ 26th Feb 12:02AM:
Re: Comcrap

Well cable TV is the ONLY source of entertainment for many sectors of the population, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons (group homes, juvenile centers, and low to maximum security prisons).
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patcat88 @ 26th Feb 12:08AM:
Re: Reap the Goverment whirlwind

Or sell it as a paid firmware upgrade, possibly reimbursed by cable companies in exchange for contract from consumer.
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Rick @ 26th Feb 06:50AM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

said by RadioDoc :

Comcast is not wasting this opportunity to cash in on the confusion by telling people that the only way they'll be able to continue to watch TV is to sign up for cable, and not just basic cable either...

Oh really?
And, I suppose you'll now be able to produce one shred of proof to back up that statement?
A link..or anything to show that comcast has EVER made that claim?

I won't be holding my breath..Doc.

The fact of the matter is, Comcast has ran extensive commercials telling customers that they don't need to be running out buying new boxes and tv's.
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nanoflower @ 26th Feb 08:31AM:
Re: QAM?

There's a problem here. When they have different levels of service they can only put the video in the clear for the lowest level of service. So, with their video lifeline service being the lowest level, that means everything else has to be encrypted or else they have to put in traps to block those signals. That means truck rolls and trap failures down the road (more truck rolls) which is something they want to avoid.

So the only option they have is to force everyone to have a higher level of service (say Basic or Basic Extended) which they may not be able to do for the same cost. Which leaves them with little choice. That's where this new device comes in since it's much like an interdiction device since you will only be able to get the digital channels in your home that you are allowed to see. It's less confusing for the home user (no encrypted channels show up on their digital tuner) and less need for truck rolls for the cable company.
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RadioDoc @ 26th Feb 09:54AM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

Hey, there is as much proof of that as there is of anything you post. No such 'extensive commercials' were run here, unless you mean the ones which imply that you have to sign up for cable to continue watching TV, which is exactly what I posted.

Nice try though. I'll save the next direct mail piece with the proof of what I posted. You won't respond to that though since you never do when discredited.

Had you actually read what I posted, the advertising materials involve Comcast using the DTV conversion and resulting confusion to hook people into signing up for unnecessary, expensive digital cable, not buy TVs or NTSC-ATSC converter boxes. Your love affair with Comcast seems to have impaired your reading comprehension.

--
Toolmaster of La Grange.
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kyler13 @ 26th Feb 12:13PM:
Re: Comcrap

said by PGHammer :

VZ's low-end box is the same DCT-711 that Comcast deploys in Motorola areas.

I'm talking about the digital adapter listed on their website that doesn't support ondemand, not the SD STB. Is that what the DCT-711 is? I didn't think Comcast had such an option.
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ultatryon @ 26th Feb 12:47PM:
Re: Excellent Idea

make that 12 SD channels, or 2-3 HD channels, or some combination thereof.
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risingrocker @ 26th Feb 02:20PM:
would everyone stop complaining. canada is the same as u.s.

everyone is complaining about the transition from analog (some channels are analog with a digital format subcription) to full digital and how they cannot:

1) one watch 1 ch while recording another ch.
2) how they will have to buy set top boxes for all their tv's
3) how they think its a pain to hook and make a vcr work with a digital box.

people you need to look on the bright side of things. do you know that north america is at least 20 years behind in technology compared with europe and asian countries like japan. and i am talking about 20 years behind a shitload of things. the e.u. and most if not all asian countries and probably more are at least if not into their third generation of full digital content in hd. so if canada and the u.s. want to remain competitive that means all of us have to pull up our pants and march forward.

the bright side of full digital transitions is:

1) digital tv viewing package prices would remain the same
2) the digital set top boxes are advanced
3) there are different digital set top boxes with different features to choose from.
4) you can watch 1 ch while recording another ch
5) there are set top boxes that can send 2 different ch signals to 2 different tv's at once.
6) you get much better picture and sound quality in a digital format or in an hd format.
7) plus the old tv's of yesterday take almost the same amount of electricity as a 120volt heater. and are lead pollutant as well.
8) today's monitors are multi functional units that can hang like a picture on a wall, they are much more advanced, look great and take a huge shitload less of electricity. so these are payback of the digital format transition.
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anon @ 26th Feb 08:33PM:
Re: QAM?

IMHO, this is the real problem. I have no problem with Comcast moving to digital, but they're taking advantage of this to encrypt everything. There is absolutely no reason why they can't provide you with at least Expanded Basic in clear QAM.

And I'm sure they won't be selling you these boxes for $35; you'll be renting them for ~$5/month.
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brianl703 @ 26th Feb 09:33PM:
Re: would everyone stop complaining. canada is the same as u.s.

A 120 volt heater is roughly 1500 watts. A CRT TV set takes around 60 to 200 watts depending on size.

As far as the US being 20 years behind Europe..well in Germany the cable TV system was government-owned until a few years ago. Cablemodems are not popular and digital cable TV is rare.
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anon @ 27th Feb 03:36AM:
Re: Comcrap

said by jester121 :

I'm pretty sure that the phrase "lifeline basic" should be left in the arena of telephone service; I'm pretty sure that cable TV is still a luxury.

Learn your history, bud.
Cable TV exists today because it was a necessity, not a luxury. Industry just figured out they could sell it to folks who didn't need it (those with OTA reception).

Cable TV needs re-regulation. There are still millions of customers who have no other choice than cable, and never will.
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anon @ 27th Feb 12:32PM:
Re: Excellent Idea

>>The reason they can't do this is because yokels will throw a fit if
>>they can't plug that coax right into their TV.

Well Juppy I must be one of those 'yokels' you are referring to. This yokel spent extra big bucks on my last TV to get 'picture in picture' - a feature that will NOT work with a cable box. Also this yokel bought a VCR and DVD recorder that allows me to record one show while watching another - this feature will also be DISABLED by a cable box. So there are reasons why us 'yokels' want that cable running straight into our expensive equipment, DA! Comclash is not your friend. They will eventually want to convert to all digital because they can fit more programming on their overpriced infrastructure. Bottom line!

Yokel signing off.
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QuaffAPint @ 27th Feb 01:51PM:
Re: Gunning for people like me.

I'm with ya, bro... :)

I'm quite content with my basic cable on my PC TV cards and my standard def 27" 7 yr old Panasonic tube. My family and I don't need anything else. I don't want to pay more and I certainly don't want a bunch of converter boxes laying around - didn't we get away from the days of having to need those blasted things?
--
FunnyAndFun.com :: Take a laugh break...
reply

wingnut @ 27th Feb 11:11PM:
Re: Am I missing something here?

At my parent's house they had cable outlets in all 5 bedrooms plus living room, family room and kitchen. They paid $30 a month (low fee due to being early customers when cable first came to the area many years ago.)

Every cheap tv and vcr in the house could receive all 80 channels and you could record a channel and watch another.

Now at my house we pay a lot more as basic cable is around $60 a month, but then I added digital channels. Now you need a stupid vcr sized box. The result is only 2 tvs get all the channels and 3 others do not. It is only $5 a month for a box ($10 for HD capable) but it is not only the money but the inconvenience factor. They (Charter) do provide nice remotes with the box (and charge $29 install fee) which can mostly replace your original remote.

The prices seem somewhat reasonable, but when you add the additional fees for the digital channels, the extra fee per box (and have to find a place for the box) it starts being a hefty charge.

My single HD tv will tune in these digital channels, but is blocked by encryption (except for one weird sport channel.)

Of course, you then need a digital video recorder to work with this. They are nice but add another $15 a month to the bill.

I fear we are going to become a 2 tier nation, those that can afford full tv and high speed internet, and those that can't.
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PGHammer @ 28th Feb 09:22AM:
Re: Comcrap

said by TK Junk Mail :

said by S_engineer :

said by PGHammer :

* The reason *for* these devices is that, for economy or *lifeline basic* customers, *any* STB (even the super-cheapies such as the Motorola DCT-711) is a non-starter.

QFT

Datapoint: when Prince George's County (MD) went ADS, we had a single analog converter box on our single non-cable-ready TV (a supremely-large floor-model 25-incher in an upstairs bedroom). Comcast replaced it with a digital STB (in fact, a DCT-25xx model), and the bill actually went *down*.

This is the only TV that can view VOD directly (same for channels in the 100+ range that are in Limited Basic). Analog STB was replaced with digital STB, and the bill decreases. (In fact, that is usually the case in ADS areas; analog STBs are replaced with digital STBs, the customer gets more, not fewer, channels, yet due to rate changes, the customer pays *less* to Comcast despite the increased number of channels.)
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anon @ 29th Feb 02:21AM:
msg deleted

deleted by a moderator
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bicker @ 25th Mar 06:07AM:
Re: Comcrap

And lifeline cable, imposed by the government at a loss for MSOs, will still exist. What is your point???
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bicker @ 25th Mar 06:10AM:
Re: Comcrap

You learn YOUR history, bud. The cable television YOU were talking about is STILL AVAILABLE from cable companies, at a government imposed price which often represents a LOSS for cable company. Lifeline cable is about $9 per month here, all in. Some places is more; with the price controlled by the town government, NOT the cable company. That part of cable television that you were referring to is STILL REGULATED. This conversion being discussed affects part of cable service that HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH making up for poor OTA reception in remote areas. Nothing.
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bicker @ 25th Mar 06:13AM:
Re: Gunning for people like me.

Then you're not valuable enough as a customer to warrant concern. I think people have to start looking around and realizing that the world doesn't revolve around them. Comcast has investors: Those investors are why Comcast exists, and the needs and desires of those investors dictate what Comcast should and should not do. Not you. If you want from Comcast, you need to represent a valuable source of revenue for their investors. Otherwise, you shouldn't be surprised when your desires remain unsatisfied. You'll get the minimum service, which cable has always provided, often at a price lower than cost, but nothing more than that.
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RadioDoc @ 25th Mar 01:23PM:
Re: Comcrap

AIYEEEEEEEE! Look! The Thread Zombifier is here! RUN RUN RUN AWAY. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

(those comments were a month old)
--
Toolmaster of La Grange.
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tomstevens55 @ 26th Mar 04:07PM:
Comcast Has anyone noticed how good broadcast digital TV is?

I received a $40 government coupon to purchase one of those digital broadcast converter boxes. I went to my local Wally World and purchased an RCA DTA800 converter box for $50, before coupon. I plugged in a bow tie UHF antenna to it and used the composite video and audio output jacks.

My TV is a 4 year old top of the line Sony 27" Wega Picture in Picture.

The picture is better then what Comcast delivers, it is clear and lifelike. I am thinking of doing away with Comcast. I like the fact that I get multiple channels with each broadcast channel. I don't watch that much TV.

I never had TV reception this good with Comcast; I guess I don't like the way Comcast compresses their digital signals, not that the picture was bad, it just not as good as broadcast digital.
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