Heads up: FCC to allow encryption of basic cable

[SithSolo1]

http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/14/fcc-to-allow-encryption-of-basic-cable-with-a-few-strings-that/

May or may not apply to you but I thought I'd post it

 

[WT]

Just when I finally have all my QAM bugs worked out, then this news comes out .... *throws hands up*

 

[lamedude]

These "basic channels accessible via IP" will probably look like crap. Boxee might as well add torrent client and just get that content via IP the old fashioned way.

 

[brotj7]

So big business will now force more people to use their box requiring more power just to protect their profits. Not very green of them... How do we get the smelly homeless people to camp out at Time Warner?

 

[funboy6942]

I just got a tv tuner and been enjoying it, please say it aint so

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Is this affecting OTA as well? This article seems primarily focused on used who have cable internet also using a set-top box to pull in cable. That represents a service the the company is putting into your home and I could see them wanting to protect theft of that. If you want free TV, why don't you just get an antenna?

Like I said, if this ruling also allows OTA signals to be encrypted, I could see where this would be a huge issue.

 

[PrinceMyshkin]

My understanding is this will affect clear QAM (normally OTA transmitted over cable lines ) as well. Those will be accessible via IP. However, I also read that some cable companies (Comcast, not sure about TWC) will be providing some sort of box or cablecard free for a limited time (2 years) to customers subscribed to their basic packages.

 

[NutBucket]

I think you guys are confusing terminology. This in no way would affect OTA since the cable company isn't involved! Hence you're using an antenna to receive content.

 

[hoorah]

I agree the terminology is being used in a confusing way, but I think what other posters implied were that comcast would be encrypting the channels that you COULD get OTA (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, etc), but that were rebroadcast clearQAM on cable.

To many people they are the same, but some lucky people have been receiving significantly more channels than the local networks in clearQAM.

You are right though, there is no way this affects the actual OTA broadcast you can pull in with an antenna.

 

[hoorah]

Just when I finally have all my QAM bugs worked out, then this news comes out .... *throws hands up*

Tell me about it! I have one cablecard tuner (3 tuners), but the additional clearQAM tuners go a long way to balancing out the load on the tuners if multiple people are watching/recording different shows.

Plus, we also like to have the TVs connected directly as a backup when the HTPC setup inevitably malfunctions right before the kickoff of the Gator game.

Fortunately where I am clearQAM / OTA is 6 of one, half dozen of the other and makes no difference, so I guess I'll put putting a pair of rabbit ears in the attic this weekend.

 

[PrinceMyshkin]

I think you guys are confusing terminology. This in no way would affect OTA since the cable company isn't involved! Hence you're using an antenna to receive content.

You're right, I amended my post.

 

[Knavish]

oops didn't see this thread when I started the other one on Clear QAM.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Then in that case what is the problem? If you want those channels, Get a cable subscription or get an Antenna. If you're using the cable company's resources why shouldn't you be paying?

 

[notposting]

Then in that case what is the problem? If you want those channels, Get a cable subscription or get an Antenna. If you're using the cable company's resources why shouldn't you be paying?

I have a cable subscription to Limited Basic cable. I get the channels I pay for, I use my HDHomerun tuner to feed our DVR. I could also utilize the QAM tuners that were part of the purchase price of both of our TV's.

Now, I will need either Cablecard tuners or boxes on every set (in actual usage, I only feed the HDHR for the DVR). And you can also bet they won't be handing out HD boxes or authorizing CC's for the HD versions (as originally broadcast) of the locals that I get.

Also, they are perfectly capable of installing traps/filters to block out even the Limited Basic channels if they wanted to, but now they will try to avoid truck rolls as much as possible (one laughable mention in the FCC report said this will reduce 'wear and tear' on the cable system) and just try to magically reset your box while Mr. Squirrel chews through your coax.

And if they are that threatened by piracy of some channels that already free over the air, they have bigger problems :hmm:

In the spring we are moving to a house with a decent antenna setup, will just go OTA at that point. Though I fully expect within, say 10 years, that OTA will just be a fond memory.

 

[hoorah]

Then in that case what is the problem? If you want those channels, Get a cable subscription or get an Antenna. If you're using the cable company's resources why shouldn't you be paying?

Because the people that DO pay for those channels already will now have to pay more to have a box that they probably don't want rather than just letting the TV tune the clearQAM stations.

Many people were perfectly content having the cable box on the main TV and having additional TVs only get the unencrypted channels. Now those other TVs get nothing without a box, which not only costs $ per month, but you have to pay additional outlet fees as well.

 

[JoeBleed]

funny how it's going back full circle. When cable came out, you needed a box for your tv, now its coming back to that again. next thing you know, the telcos will find a way to start charging for each jack in your house again too.

 

[Brainonska511]

Just got a letter in the mail from RCN - they're going to be encrypting basic channels in December. No big deal - only one tv is on the cable line, and it was hooked up through this basic package I got: 50/6 internet, basic cable with an dual-tuner HD-DVR for $50/mo (which all happened to be the same price for 50/6 internet alone).

 

[Childs]

I hope they do it after the superbowl. Breaking out the antenna for playoff games will suck.