WTF Comcast? (DC ATOTers chime in!)

[lupi]

Not sure if serious, but


Before encryption what was originally the analogue band, you would still get a significant portion of those able to be tuned in via a qam tv tuner if you purchased only the internet service because the companies moved away from at the house/pole filters for individual services. So many people who "cut" the cord by only buying internet to still get the major locals and select others for free are getting pissed now that the companies are enforcing your decision to cut the cord.

 

[AMDZen]

Yep.

Technology moving forward eh? Now, you can enjoy the BENEFITS AND SATISFACTION of having a box on every single TV/Device/Tuner in your home! No more of this cable ready TV nonsense! No more extra TV in the basement for workouts with a limited lineup. No sir! You can get your assfucking (via large rectangular cable box insertion) dry, enjoy it, and probably get a rate increase too! Enjoy the merger and thank your local and national DC officials when you see them!

Amen brotha!

 

[purbeast0]

i'm in the DMV area but i use fios and have had them for almost 2 years now and other than the bill i get every month, i love it. i didn't even consider comcast when i moved into a house.

 

[Markbnj]

Not sure if serious, but


Before encryption what was originally the analogue band, you would still get a significant portion of those able to be tuned in via a qam tv tuner if you purchased only the internet service because the companies moved away from at the house/pole filters for individual services. So many people who "cut" the cord by only buying internet to still get the major locals and select others for free are getting pissed now that the companies are enforcing your decision to cut the cord.

It was a serious question. I see what you mean. I doubt that was a significant component of their decision to encrypt more channels, though. As opposed to, say, the need to keep people using boxes/cards that have to be rented from the provider.

 

[lupi]

You'd be wrong there. This was a significant reason for them getting the FCC to change the rule and allow them to encrypt those channels. Before they were require to keep the locals on an open signal.

 

[JBT]

http://www.comcast.com/digitaladapterinfo

Should be able to call and get a couple of these, at least 1 for free.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

Not sure if serious, but


Before encryption what was originally the analogue band, you would still get a significant portion of those able to be tuned in via a qam tv tuner if you purchased only the internet service because the companies moved away from at the house/pole filters for individual services. So many people who "cut" the cord by only buying internet to still get the major locals and select others for free are getting pissed now that the companies are enforcing your decision to cut the cord.

that is at least 51% of the correct answer. the remainder is:
bandpass filters that cost $10 would generate $75 service calls when they became incompatible with the subscribed services or failed outright. (1990's dollars and prices).

You'd be wrong there. This was a significant reason for them getting the FCC to change the rule and allow them to encrypt those channels. Before they were require to keep the locals on an open signal.

yep

 

[Mixolydian]

August 1, 2010 it became all digital (encrypted QAM) here.

 

[Markbnj]

You'd be wrong there. This was a significant reason for them getting the FCC to change the rule and allow them to encrypt those channels. Before they were require to keep the locals on an open signal.

Interesting, never knew that. Well the screwed me too, since I had a pretty nice setup before encryption. Fortunately we're long past the point where there is anything on cable I care about.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I moved into my current place in 2009.
Got Comcast internet. (No other option except Verizon DSL.)
Used rabbit ears.
Worked pretty darn well for most local channels except PBS and during inclement weather.
Got a notice from Comcast that "internet-only" subscribers had the option to get local channels without an antenna. Never knew or tried this.
Took away antenna, plugged Plasma HDTV into the wall and got the same channels but a little crisper and no issues during inclement weather.
Bought an HDHomeRunPrime. Yay for DVR!
June 3, 2014: channels scrambled. Yes, WTF!

So I went to the local Comcast office this afternoon. The place makes the DMV look like paradise! Waited in line for 45 minutes. Got a cable card for $15/month but with a $15/month "valued customer credit." Bring it home. Slide it into the HDHomeRun. Register it. TV is back up and running and the GF could DVR "So You Think You Can Dance."

It's done...well, let's wait and see the bill...but it's all such pointless bullshit.