gotta love satellite

**aboz** · 11-19-2003 01:05 PM

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/biznews/11191B2DDEM_Cable19_business.shtml

**silversurfer** · 11-19-2003 02:16 PM

One of the things that cable companies always advertise is that you don't have to pay extra to get cable on all the TVs in your house. What a bunch of malarky! Look at their charge for an extra box! 6 or 7.95 a month! Makes that extra receiver charge look like chump change! Sure you can get basic cable without a box but how many of us would be satisfied with basic cable?

Somebody needs to tell Lori Pfeil that she does have a choice!

**Stargazer** · 11-19-2003 04:56 PM

Well there is the choice of buying some cable boxes but those are expensive I heard but you would not be charged the $5 per month like you do with satellite (on top of having to pay for the hardware) for the additional outlet fee in some areas.

**dlsnyder** · 11-19-2003 05:23 PM

With the new Open Cable standard devices coming out next year you will be able to buy a digital cable compatible TV or cable box. They will take a smart card of some kind so that you can access the premium content (HBO, Showtime, etc.). PPV and VOD are not covered - you would still need a STB for that content. The cable companies will undoubtedly charge you monthly for each of those cards. Want to bet its going to be about $5.00 per card per month - including the first card! Makes DBS look good by comparison - at least you get the first one free!