8 New HD channels coming in March / Channels moving to SDV

**Saxamoophone** · 02-07-2010 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by tigerfan33

Most of the newer hdtv's don't even have a cc slot. I am thinking that cc technology was just a blip and not going anywhere.

Cable Cards (as they are now) are dead. Cable admits it. Government admits it.

Encoding is fine, but be smart about it.

I want to be able to plug in my TIVO, or even a Windows PC running Media Center and have access to EVERY channel, including VOD. I don't want to have "Tuning Adaptors", "Cable Cards" or expensive $300 cable card readers.

All of this can be done through Software....and in the future, will be.

Tru2Way is a good start, but it sounds like it will still require a physical cable card. At the very least though it allows 2 way communication, VOD, and all that jazz.

The problem is this: Cable makes a killing on boxes. They probably cost them $300-400 tops a unit. Why would they want you to give up $20 a month? After 1-2 years they are making PURE PROFIT from "renting" you that box you already paid for.

**Saxamoophone** · 02-07-2010 02:30 PM

Also, good HD pick ups. Is Daily Show in HD yet?

**The Insider** · 02-08-2010 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by Saxamoophone

Cable Cards (as they are now) are dead. Cable admits it. Government admits it.

Encoding is fine, but be smart about it.

I want to be able to plug in my TIVO, or even a Windows PC running Media Center and have access to EVERY channel, including VOD. I don't want to have "Tuning Adaptors", "Cable Cards" or expensive $300 cable card readers.

All of this can be done through Software....and in the future, will be.

Tru2Way is a good start, but it sounds like it will still require a physical cable card. At the very least though it allows 2 way communication, VOD, and all that jazz.

The problem is this: Cable makes a killing on boxes. They probably cost them $300-400 tops a unit. Why would they want you to give up $20 a month? After 1-2 years they are making PURE PROFIT from "renting" you that box you already paid for.

Not sure who charges 20$ for a box and yes they do spend about 300$ on a box. They charge about 7-10$ a month for them that INCLUDES the extra channels that come with it. Do the math and see how long it takes to recoup that hardware investment. Cable companies make there money from the extra things you will buy with your box, plus the base price of your package. Not so much in the hardware rental.

And the reason why you still will need a card is because of the encrpytion. You need a device to decrypt the channel. The cable companies are not going to give some retail company the decrption code then anyone could steal the signal.

**iceturkee** · 02-08-2010 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by Saxamoophone

Also, good HD pick ups. Is Daily Show in HD yet?

has been since the first monday in january. plus the new season of south parj, if you watch, will be in hd.

**iceturkee** · 02-08-2010 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by Saxamoophone

Cable Cards (as they are now) are dead. Cable admits it. Government admits it.

Encoding is fine, but be smart about it.

I want to be able to plug in my TIVO, or even a Windows PC running Media Center and have access to EVERY channel, including VOD. I don't want to have "Tuning Adaptors", "Cable Cards" or expensive $300 cable card readers.

All of this can be done through Software....and in the future, will be.

Tru2Way is a good start, but it sounds like it will still require a physical cable card. At the very least though it allows 2 way communication, VOD, and all that jazz.

The problem is this: Cable makes a killing on boxes. They probably cost them $300-400 tops a unit. Why would they want you to give up $20 a month? After 1-2 years they are making PURE PROFIT from "renting" you that box you already paid for.

actually, at one time bhn charged you the price of a digital setup box plus the hd dvr, meaning you paid $17 a month for one box. i don't remember their rationale but i thought it was rather silly.

**zolzoo** · 02-09-2010 11:27 AM

If I am not using a box "cable direct to TV" will I need to buy a box.

**The Insider** · 02-11-2010 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by iceturkee

actually, at one time bhn charged you the price of a digital setup box plus the hd dvr, meaning you paid $17 a month for one box. i don't remember their rationale but i thought it was rather silly.

This only applies to the second+ boxes. And its the same fee other companies charge 1 fee for the box and another fee for the DVR services.

With BHN the first box is cheaper then the second box (as with most companies)

**iceturkee** · 02-12-2010 07:10 AM

maybe, it isn't the case now but about 5 years ago it was and i had only one box. if i remember correctly, it didn't change when i got the 2nd hd dvr. i paid $9.95 x 2 plus $6.95 for the digital box i didn't physically have.

**The Insider** · 02-12-2010 01:34 PM

I dont recall that ever being a policy.

On the first DVR you were charged X amount. On the second DVR you were charged X + Y.

This is the same with most all companies. The main reason being your first box cost is subsidized by the cost of programming you pay (ala the standard package etc) The second box is then being paid for via the extra fee they charge.