[mythtv-users] Comcast Fall attack

[Craig G.]

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dave C 
  To: Discussion about mythtv 
  Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 5:05 PM
  Subject: Re: [mythtv-users] Comcast Fall attack


  FYI, Comcast rep is feeding you bull.

  The deadline for digital is for 'over the air' broadcast stations, and
  imposes no requirements on closed systems such as cable and sat.
  Obviously, that doesnt mean they wont try to use it to convince you to
  pay them more money.

Actually, because of the must carry rules the change over to DTV broadcast does directly effect the cable providers.   Proposed rulings would  requiring cable providers to convert DTV signals to analog to guarantee that subscribers with analog TV's can continue to receive must carry programming or provide (for free) digital tuner set top boxes.    It would also require cable providers subject to must carry rules to carry any provided HDTV (must carry) streams as HDTV without degradation or modification.   If downconversion is required (HDTV->NTSC analog) then its required to be done at the cable providers expense.   As far as I know there hasn't been a formal ruling on it yet, but its appears to be going in a favorable direction for mythtv users.  Unfortunatly there is nothing in the proposed ruling that forbids comcast, charter, etc from charging through the nose for analog service after the DTV conversion deadline.
Check out:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-272654A1.pdf
as well as
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-71A1.pdf section 17

Craig
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