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General discussion

digital cable encryption and cablecard

by pashj Sep 4, 2008 12:58AM PDT

RCN is encypting its signal in the Washington, DC area as of Oct 1, 2008. Apparently all the people who bought a TV with a QAM tuner are going to be really dissapointed. I am looking for a cablecard compatible set to avoid renting a box. Are they still being made? There is no mention on the Sony site.

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2 Posts

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digital cable encryption and cable card

by Ted Pietrzyk Sep 4, 2008 11:42AM PDT

This is very sad. I have Comcast cable and I get HDTV set. I was disappointed when Comcast say I need cable box to receive HD programs , even local stations ( NBC ,CBS,ABC etc). Wat happen to cable cards? None of TV sets manufacturers making any more TV with cable card slot. I would like to have HDTV set in kitchen just to watch news and some other events. Consider 26" screen size because limited space , but where I will position cable box which is size almost same like TV?
Is any way to force cable companies to not encrypt local programing in HD? Subscribers paying already for service , why pay extra for box and have problem to setting in tide spaces?

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The perfect cable TV storm

by pashj Sep 5, 2008 1:47AM PDT

Well it looks like the cable companies have set us up for the perfect storm. It seems that at the point where most if not all the new TVs now can only tune to unencrypted signals the cable companies are encrypting all the non-local stations. Of course they will offer you a really good deal on getting that box and setting it up. However, you can rest assured that the rental on that box will inch-up as time goes by.

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