Too Many Duplicate Channels?

[Isomorphic]

I realize that there are different models of STB with different cost concerns, but it seems like BHN should source all new STBs as HD. Then (eventually, when the old ones died) they could simulcast one analog channel for the antique crowd and one digital/HD channel for everyone else. People with SD displays but with a STB would see the HD feed downsampled--just like those OTA boxes the Federal government is giving rebates for.

stevenl is right, though. BHN is actually airing ads about the upcoming analog shutoff saying "You don't have anything to worry about, you're on Brighthouse Networks." Way to turn obsolete tech into an advantage! Go Marketing!!

[stevenl]

Also note that I do believe BHN is only buying new HD boxes. They are giving even STD digital customers HD boxes (unless they are older boxes) but all new boxes are HD. So they are still using the old standard digital boxes already in rotation, but the new purchased boxes are all HD boxes.

[jcarrera]

So, I have the HD box (for the larger hard disk) but no HD TV or HD service other than what is just in the digital tier. So, I should just switch to "standard box" at the standard rate, and will get to keep the HD box?

[stevenl]

Its possible. What they would do likely is just turn off the HD channels. Of course the HD box and STD box should be the same price?

What they are doing is this. Any box they already own they are still using in the system so if you order digital cable you may get one of those old non-hd boxes. But NEW boxes they are buying are ALL hd. So you have a good chance of getting an HD box or a STD box. Just depends on whats in stock at the time.

[Randalllind]

I live in the Indy area and I trying to figure out why bright house has 50 duplicate channels (cnn, cartoon network, mtv etc..). I wonder what they are trying to do. Why don‘t they just add new channels instead? It looks like they are wasting bandwidth.

I think they should add a options to hide duplicate channels. I have HDTV so block the non HD channel that are the same.

[jcarrera]

That's a darn good idea, so long as it is an option and not automatic.

[ddeloach1228]

DirecTv has this feature.

[Khandurian]

Also note the avg customer has about 4 TVs, at say 50$ per box, plus around 100$ to get them installed, thats about 300$ per customer to get them all setup with all digital. The avg analog only customer pays less then 50$ a month so it would take 6 months of 50$ a month payments just to cover the cost of the equipment and installation, but wait all 50$ cant goto it, as 40% of the cost is programming.

Let me help your math out here....

They pay 150$ for new standard digital box. They pay their contractors $3 to install that box. The box rental fee is 10$ a month. It takes 16 months to pay off 1 digital box. (not taking into account any other money).

They pay $350 for new HD boxes. They pay their contractors $3 to install that box. The box rental fee is 10$ a month. It takes 36 months to pay off 1 digital box. (not taking into account any other money).

They pay $275 for new DVR boxes... (see above)

They pay $425 for New HD-Dvr boxes.... (see above)

Also note that I do believe BHN is only buying new HD boxes. They are giving even STD digital customers HD boxes (unless they are older boxes) but all new boxes are HD. So they are still using the old standard digital boxes already in rotation, but the new purchased boxes are all HD boxes.

This may be true in your area. It's not true in our area. They do purchase new standard digital boxes after their ability to repair/send off for replacement for free period ends.

Please note all the above ramblings are for the area of which I am involved in. I have no idea about anyone elses. All though I am pretty sure those numbers would be pretty close.