[mythtv-users] mythtv & the future of HD
Brad DerManouelian
myth at dermanouelian.com
Wed Nov 14 20:37:17 UTC 2007
On Nov 14, 2007, at 12:30 PM, David Brieck Jr. wrote:
> On Nov 14, 2007 3:14 PM, Tony Brummett <brummett at gmail.com> wrote:
>> On 11/14/07, Brad DerManouelian <myth at dermanouelian.com> wrote:
>>> On Nov 14, 2007, at 11:47 AM, Tony Brummett wrote:
>>>> That's completely dependent on you local cable franchise. At my
>>>> location, I can't get _any_ HD from the cable. All the relevant
>>>> QAM
>>>> channels are encrypted so I can't tune them directly, and they're
>>>> marked as not free to copy with the 5C settings, so I can't get
>>>> 'em
>>>> through the firewire on the cable box.
>>>
>>> Then they are out of compliance with the FCC.
>>
>> I keep hearing this, but I haven't seen any proof that it's true.
>>
>> Everyone seems to agree that the must-carry and in-the-clear rules
>> applies to local analog stations. Many people believe that the rules
>> also apply to local digital channels, but I don't know of any
>> definitive decision either way. In fact, my local cable company
>> doesn't carry the local ABC HD station at all right now because of a
>> contract dispute.
>>
>> But I don't think anyone has tried to argue that those rules apply to
>> cable-only stations, SD or HD.
>>
>> -- Tony
>>
>
> Here is the response I received from the FCC via their contact form
> online. I had asked them why my local provider (Blue Ridge Cable in
> Ephrata PA) encrypts all of their QAM signals, even the free-to-air
> ones, especially including the HD channels.
>
> <-- Begin Response -->
>
> "Digital cable" and high definition programming on cable are not the
> same. If you want to watch HDTV programming on cable, you will need
> to subscribe to your cable provider's HDTV package and view the
> programming on an HDTV set. You may also need a set-top box or other
> equipment to view HDTV programming. Check with your cable provider to
> find out what kinds of programming you can receive, and what equipment
> you need to receive it.
>
> The current requirement to switch from analog to digital only applies
> to full-power broadcast TV stations, which use the public airwaves to
> provide free over-the-air programming. However, as cable providers
> convert to digital transmissions over their systems, you may need to
> subscribe to their digital tier to continue to receive this
> non-broadcast programming.
>
> Your cable system decides when and whether to carry programming on a
> digital tier, which may mean that you will need digital equipment.
> However, all of your local stations will continue to be available in
> analog format for as long as your cable system offers any analog
> service.
>
> <-- End Response -->
>
> Not very encouraging.........
Just because you've reached one idiot from the FCC doesn't mean you
have to listen to him. They clearly misunderstood your question.
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