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 |  | Zoder
join:2002-04-16
Miami, FL | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it Just because they move to all digital doesn't mean they have to take it out of the expanded basic tier. That's what the DCT-700s are for | |
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GOLFnSUN
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Avalon, NJ
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1 edit | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it said by Zoder  :Just because they move to all digital doesn't mean they have to take it out of the expanded basic tier. That's what the DCT-700s are for You are right, but they also want people to move off of basic cable where they don't make any money and into the expanded tiers where they do. So they will tie one plan with the other.
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| | | | ddurant
join:2001-08-24
Marlborough, MA
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it said by GOLFnSUN :...they also want people to move off of basic cable where they don't make any money... LOL.. That's pretty funny.. Not making money.. Heh.. | |
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GOLFnSUN
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Avalon, NJ
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| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it said by ddurant :said by GOLFnSUN :...they also want people to move off of basic cable where they don't make any money... LOL.. That's pretty funny.. Not making money.. Heh.. They don't make money if the customer only has basic. The basic only rates are regulated in most of Comcast's footprint and average about $10/customer. No company with the infrastructure costs that cable has can make a profit on a $10/mo customer.
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ctceo
Premium
join:2001-04-26
South Bend, IN
clubs: | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it Basic costs $29-39 in this area. | |
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GOLFnSUN
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3 edits | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it said by ctceo :Basic costs $29-39 in this area. That is high. It is $9.38/mo in my area for these channels:
2 Local/Community Access
3 KYW 3 (CBS, Phila.)*
4 WNJS 23 (PBS)
5 WTXF 29 (FOX, Phila.)
6 WPVI 6 (ABC, Phila)*
7 WPHL 17 (WB, Phila.)*
8 CN8
9 WYBE 35
10 WCAU-10 (NBC, Phila.)*
11 QVC
12 WHYY 12 (PBS, Phila.)*
13 Local/Community Access
15 WMCN TV
16 WUVP 65 (Univision)
18 WGTW 48
19 C-SPAN 2
20 WPPX 61 (PAX)
21 INSP
22 C-SPAN
23 WPSG 57 (UPN, Phila.)*
24 WWSI 62 (Telemundo)
27 Animal Planet
78 Leased Access
95 EWTN
98 WTVE 51
245 WPVI-DT News Plus**
246 WPVI-DT Weather**
P.S> If you want to get the channels with 2 ** and the six additional not shown above free network HDTV channels(networks are marked with 1 *), you need a digital converter for about $5/mo. That would make it $14.38 all together.
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ctceo
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South Bend, IN
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| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it Yeah, I know. It's been like that for a few years now, if you want expanded basic you have to get the digital box, and that instantly jumps your bill from the $29-39 up to like $59, If you want the full digital package they have that's like another $30 for a total of $89, and if you get Broadband in your area yet another $49 for a total of $138 a month, and that's for 1 box, not including setup fees, installer charges, and taxes...
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| | | | | | | | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it said by ctceo :Yeah, I know. It's been like that for a few years now, if you want expanded basic you have to get the digital box, and that instantly jumps your bill from the $29-39 up to like $59, If you want the full digital package they have that's like another $30 for a total of $89, and if you get Broadband in your area yet another $49 for a total of $138 a month, and that's for 1 box, not including setup fees, installer charges, and taxes... If you are going to whine about prices, then at least get it correct. Digital classic is $9.99 above your basic rates and digital plus is $5.00 more for a total of $14.99 and that's pretty much a nationwide price point.
Let's break down YOUR area shall we?
Basic Tier: $13.50
Standard Tier: $31.49
Total Analog : 44.99
Digital Classic: $9.99
Digital Plus: $5.00
Total Full Digit: $14.99
Full Basic + Full Digital: $59.98
Highspeed Internet w/cable: $42.95 a month
Optional modem rental: $3.00
*Even get a special for $19.99 for 6 months with free install.. see below on fees.
Box rental + remote fee for extra tv: $4.95
HDTV Box rental: $5.00 includes all HDTV channels in the tier you subscribe to. Box alone includes HTDV locals, music, guide, and PPV access.
DVR: $9.99
Just threw in the extra prices for reference in case you wanted to make incorrect gripes about them too.
Most of the times, they don't charge you any fees as they offer you a special intro to start service. The intro package is usually along the same costs of basic cable and gives you several pay channels and includes a no install fee. But again, sounds better when you say "setup fees and installer fees"... you're just stretching things here a bit.
Taxes? Can't blame the company, blame Uncle Sam so we'll move right along.
Bottom line? Digital Plus + 6MB CHSI = $102.93 + tax. That's a far spread from your take.
You can get this alot less if you want.. buy less service. I am about to take an unpopular stance here but no one in life said that the cost had to be affordable to everyone. We live in a country where some people can afford more service than others. It's a hard fact of life. However our governemnt makes sure that people can afford TV and at $13.50 I think they suceeded and there is always dial up. So if the high costs are getting to you, you do have options.
Again, if you are going to make a point, please do your homework first. You also live in the Midwest system and the rates here are pretty nice and they are to the point as compared to, say, the east coast systems.
Flame away.  | |
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reub2000
Premium
join:2001-12-28
Evanston, IL | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping A lot of what looks like taxes are actually what's known as "unfees" around here. | |
| | | | | | | | | | netmasta
join:2004-06-06
Randolph, MA
| said by fiberguy :said by ctceo :Let's break down YOUR area shall we? Basic Tier: $13.50 Standard Tier: $31.49 Total Analog : 44.99 Digital Classic: $9.99 Digital Plus: $5.00 Total Full Digit: $14.99 Full Basic + Full Digital: $59.98 Are you serious about those digital cable prices? MA prices: Digital Platinum 5 ON DEMAND, Onscreen Guide $100.82 Digital Gold with HBO - Special Offer 2 ON DEMAND, Onscreen Guide $88.82 Digital Silver with HBO - Special Offer 1 ON DEMAND, Onscreen Guide $78.82 Digital Plus - 1st Month Free! N/A ON DEMAND, Onscreen Guide $64.82 Digital Classic N/A ON DEMAND, Onscreen Guide $59.82 Digital Cable Dish Win-Back N/A ON DEMAND, Onscreen Guide $64.82 Basic Package(s) Premium Channels Other Features Monthly Price Standard Cable N/A Popular Cable Channels $48.82 Basic Cable N/A Great Local Channels $8.25 Add 6Mb HSI would be about $200 per month! | |
| | | | | | | | | | Ender_W
Does Microsoft Mean Small And Squishy?
join:2002-09-14
Saint Louis, MO | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping So you complaining that your cable is more expensive in MA than it is in MN? Your argument is kinda stupid concidering EVERYTHING is more expensive on the coasts... | |
| | | | | | | | | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by Ender_W :So you complaining that your cable is more expensive in MA than it is in MN? Your argument is kinda stupid concidering EVERYTHING is more expensive on the coasts... Thanks for doing my dirty work!
I don't understand where that message could have come from. I made it clear that he was lucky to be in the Midwest system where things were pretty straight forward and priced good, unlike systems on the east coast! But I guess in the heat of passion or the rush to click reply and not read the whole post  I see how that was easily missed.  | |
| | | | | | | | | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Your price on Digital classic and plus is $5 more than in the midwest on par. However, your digital Platinum, gold, and silver are pretty much the same. A few factors that make the prices different are the cost in the area to service, local taxes to the business operating expenses, labor rates, gas prices, etc. There isn't a big difference.
I still don't know where you come up with $200 a month. Are you aware that basic tier 1 and 2 are included in the price of digital classic and plus as stated? You don't buy basic for 48.82 then digital plus for $64.00 on top of basic.
There is NOTHING on your price list that would make your cable bill, including HSI, $200 a month or even close. $265.00? Maybe including all taxes but not $200. I will leave my post as is. I know exactly how a response will be made to my post in advance at it will be wrong too. | |
| | | | | | | | | | netmasta
join:2004-06-06
Randolph, MA
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by fiberguy :Your price on Digital classic and plus is $5 more than in the midwest on par. However, your digital Platinum, gold, and silver are pretty much the same. A few factors that make the prices different are the cost in the area to service, local taxes to the business operating expenses, labor rates, gas prices, etc. There isn't a big difference. I still don't know where you come up with $200 a month. Are you aware that basic tier 1 and 2 are included in the price of digital classic and plus as stated? You don't buy basic for 48.82 then digital plus for $64.00 on top of basic. There is NOTHING on your price list that would make your cable bill, including HSI, $200 a month or even close. $265.00? Maybe including all taxes but not $200. I will leave my post as is. I know exactly how a response will be made to my post in advance at it will be wrong too. Maybe I misread wrong, but I could have sworn that you have to have Basic service to get digital. | |
| | | | | | | | | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping Actually, not true. There is something in current laws that is called "anti-buy through" and it grants operators to only require the most basic level of service, in most cases the tier1 basic, in order to purcahse any additional video services. In other words, before the 1996 law, you could be forced to purchase full basic cable to buy PPV or HBO. NOW, you only have to purcahse tier 1 at minimum.
SCRATCH ANYTHING YOUR CSR HAS TOLD YOU - it's not true. There ARE many times that if you call in for tier 1 basic and digital classic, they will tell you you must purchase the hwole package. Mention Anti-buy through laws and or a supervisor and you WILL get a different story. It's afederal law they will have GRAVE reprocusions of they dont' follow. In some areas where they do not offer a tier1 limited basic then you must purchase full baseic as it is their tier 1.
Want another little secret? DirecTV can NOT require you to purchase ANY video in order to purcahse the Sunday NFL direct ticket. They hate that fact since it's one of their biggest hooks into their customer base, but the fact remains they must. | |
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Titus Pullo
I came, I saw, I slept
join:2004-06-26
·Embarq
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping I'm not sure everyone is on the same page here re the service levels. There's Basic and then there's the minimum service that cable companies have to provide but never advertise. I'm sure the most basic of basic differs from company to company, but you will not get discounted Internet service with this 'secret' tier, and the two channels that Comcast dropped are never part of the bare bones basic I'm talking about (usually less than a dozen channels).
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ehurtley
join:2001-11-24
Portland, OR
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping Yes, it does. 'Basic' cable at around $10/month is mandated by the federal government. Looking in the 'Santa Clarita/Valencia' listing in Comcast's home page, I find 'Limited Basic'. (You have to REALLY search for it.)
But, of course, their website doesn't say how MUCH it is. Calling, however, and asking for 'Limited Basic' pricing, they tell me $9/mo to $13/mo, depending on exactly where you live. (Local taxes make it vary.)
I found when trying to get 'basic' cable up here in Portland that I had to talk to two different salespeople to get one that was willing to admit that the service exists. The salespeople just aren't even told that it's an option. They're told about 'Digital Basic', and 'Standard' cable as the low-end options. But if you make them search, they will find 'Limited Basic' at around $10/month in their system. (I live in a small valley where with a high quality roof antenna I can only get 2 out of the about 10 local over-the-air channels viewably. Even then, it's not a GOOD signal. So I got ultra-cheap cable so I could watch the maybe 10 hours of TV a week my whole family watches.) | |
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ehurtley
join:2001-11-24
Portland, OR
| Wow, mine is $13.28/mo incl. all fees. I get:
2-KATU (Local ABC affiliate)
3-KWBP (Local WB affiliate)
4-TV Guide (Why, oh why, do they insist on showing what's on all the digital channels, when digital subscribers get their own interactive TV Guide channel?)
5-KPXG (Local Pax affiliate)
6-KOIN (Local CBS affiliate)
7-Discovery (From the sound of this main post, I may lose this soon.)
8-KGW (Local NBC affiliate)
9-WGN
10-KOPB (Local PBS station)
12-KPTV (Local Fox affiliate)
13-KPDX (Local UPN affiliate)
18-Hallmark
70-E!
71-AMC
11, 14-17, 19-33, and 98-99 are 'local/community/cable access', shopping, Spanish-language, and the Golf Channel. I have them turned off. | |
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Combat Chuck
Too Many Cannibals
Premium
join:2001-11-29
Erie, PA
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by GOLFnSUN :You are right, but they also want people to move off of basic cable where they don't make any money and into the expanded tiers where they do. So they will tie one plan with the other. Just a little perspective; I don't think I've ever seen TBS (nor Discovery since around the time they existed as the History Channel, Tech TV, and Animal Planet all rolled into one) in any cable basic tier.
The "Upgrade" letter was a dumb idea.
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GOLFnSUN
Enjoy the sun
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join:2002-03-03
Avalon, NJ
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| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by Combat Chuck :The "Upgrade" letter was a dumb idea. No doubt about that. They should have just sent out a letter with the monthly bill saying channel changes are being made. Calling it an upgrade was probably the idea of some idiot marketing type who should be promptly fired.
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ArchAngel21x
MacFan Pro
Premium
join:2001-10-28
Lincoln, NE | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping Seems like a lot of dumb decisions come from the marketing dept no matter which company it is. | |
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SRFireside
join:2001-01-19
Houston, TX
| said by Combat Chuck :Just a little perspective; I don't think I've ever seen TBS (nor Discovery since around the time they existed as the History Channel, Tech TV, and Animal Planet all rolled into one) in any cable basic tier. The "Upgrade" letter was a dumb idea. Actually I have TBS, Discovery Channel, History Channel, Disney Channel, Animal Planet, AMC, Sci-Fi Channel and others. All on basic cable over here. I consider it a bit restrictive on the cable operator's part to restrict certain popular channels to just digital cable when they have been previously offered without it. | |
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Combat Chuck
Too Many Cannibals
Premium
join:2001-11-29
Erie, PA
2 edits | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by SRFireside :Actually I have TBS, Discovery Channel, History Channel, Disney Channel, Animal Planet, AMC, Sci-Fi Channel and others. All on basic cable over here. I consider it a bit restrictive on the cable operator's part to restrict certain popular channels to just digital cable when they have been previously offered without it. That's not basic, that's expanded basic (now it seems they call it standard), per time warner's site basic in the Houston area is $15.50/month.
Unless you use the phrase "no, no, I want basic basic service" they sign you up for expanded basic. Buying basic service is like trying to buy a new car without the overpriced floor-mats and a stereo system; you can do it, but you have to go into the deal knowing that theres a level below standard and then you have to fight them for it.
Basic usually consists of the locals, a couple c-spans, the weather channel, shopping channels, local access, and usually a religious channel.
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SRFireside
join:2001-01-19
Houston, TX
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping That's what we're talking about. Expanded basic. Basic basic is pretty much local channels only so there really is no point to even consider that a part of the topic (considering the channels in question were likely not taken out of bare bones basic cable). | |
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Combat Chuck
Too Many Cannibals
Premium
join:2001-11-29
Erie, PA
3 edits | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by SRFireside :That's what we're talking about. Expanded basic. Basic basic is pretty much local channels only so there really is no point to even consider that a part of the topic (considering the channels in question were likely not taken out of bare bones basic cable). Perhaps you should read the article. They're moving the channels from basic ($10 something a month, sometimes called limited basic) to Standard (what you call basic, used to be called expanded basic).
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SRFireside
join:2001-01-19
Houston, TX
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping In comparing the article to what I get where I live I still don't see much difference. I pay (actually if I paid... basic cable is free where I'm at) less than $13 for service, which includes a decent channel lineup. Not sure what Comcast is pulling over there. | |
| | | | | netmasta
join:2004-06-06
Randolph, MA
| quote:
Just a little perspective; I don't think I've ever seen TBS (nor Discovery since around the time they existed as the History Channel, Tech TV, and Animal Planet all rolled into one) in any cable basic tier.
The "Upgrade" letter was a dumb idea.
In my area we have Discovery History and Animal Planet on Expanded basic. History channel joind about a year or so ago. | |
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G_Poobah
join:2004-01-17
Schenectady, NY
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping "No stopping it". That's got to be the worst attitude ever. If we all lived by that credo, we'd still be a british colony, since there was no stopping "taxation without representation". Bottom line is that comcasts exists at the WHIM of the people. The people of your town, city, county, whatever have signed a deal to graciously allow comcast to service your area. The correct response is to show up at your local town meeting, and raise hell. If comcast decides that it can unilaterally remove services, well that's their business. However I would argue that it's not in the towns best economic interest to allow that to happen, so the town should begin proceedings to sieze the cable via eminent domain and make it municipal cable, and let anyone use those cables to provide TV access. Guess what, the pendulum swings BOTH ways comcast, and it should come back and bite your greed.
If you take the time to read the link, you can see that comcast is lying (it's easy to tell when they are lying, because it only happens when they open their mouths). I love the phrase about "repositioning it's bandwidth". hahaha.. or an even better lie is "grouping the channels", or the classic lie of "why is it better for customers? well, it's less tha 50 cents a day. umm, dumb*ss comcast liar, that wasn't answering the question".
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GOLFnSUN
Enjoy the sun
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join:2002-03-03
Avalon, NJ
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| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by G_Poobah :"No stopping it". That's got to be the worst attitude ever. If we all lived by that credo, we'd still be a british colony, since there was no stopping "taxation without representation". Bottom line is that comcasts exists at the WHIM of the people. 90% of the customers don't give a damn and even those that do won't get ambitious enough to do anything about it. And Comcast knows those facts better than anyone. If they thought this would really cost them money they wouldn't do it. But, knowing their customers better than you do, they will move forward with their plans.
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| | | gpancner
join:2001-09-27
Nine Mile Falls, WA | One of the most intellectually and technically vacant thought processes I've read in a long time. | |
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Titus Pullo
I came, I saw, I slept
join:2004-06-26
·Embarq
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by gpancner :One of the most intellectually and technically vacant thought processes I've read in a long time. Keep reading; you'll top 'vacant' before you know it. BBR forums validate the belief that there's scant hope.
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| | | | | Anemone1
join:2005-07-26
Billerica, MA
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it That's fine but give them a digital box for free and let them get the channels they were paying for or reduce their fee. What this amounts to is a fee increase.
We need fiber. We need to rip the Comcast business model a new ********. Bunch of lazy ass sitting on a corner collecting a paycheck idiots creating a triple your profit company on stunts just like this all around the country.
Demonstration of just about the worst Corporate ethics available. THIS is the company that runs ads saying they care about the community. You know why they run those ads? So they can try to cover up crud like this.
When they go Chapt 11, I won't be crying a tear. | |
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Ronnie1055
Premium
join:2004-06-25
Carrollton, TX | “What kind of idiot marketing department sends out a ‘Great news!’ and ‘upgrade’ and ‘at no additional charge to you!’ announcement for a decrease in service?”
Uhhh... that would be Comcast. | |
| | | Cyberguru
join:2005-06-09
Phoenix, AZ
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it Comcast just makes them selves look even dumber. First they expect us to believe their 6mg bull sh**. When most of the time you get 33% of that. Try and complain and all you get is "there not guaranteed speeds"-"then don't fu**ing advertice them!" Now this down grade that is masquerading as a Upgrade" Man, they can really dig themselves a hole, can't they? | |
| | | | netmasta
join:2004-06-06
Randolph, MA
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping With a few minor Windows tweaks, I almost always get my advertised speeds:
:::.. Upload Stats ..:::
Connection is:: 369 Kbps about 0.4 Mbps (tested with 579 kB)
Upload Speed is:: 45 kB/s
Tested From:: »testmy.net/ (server1)
Test Time:: Mon Sep 19 2005 15:03:08 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Bottom Line:: 7X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 22.76 sec
Diagnosis: Looks Great : 3.94 % faster than the average for host (comcast.net)
Validation Link:: »testmy.net/stats/id-QJO3FD5IT
:::.. Download Stats ..:::
Connection is:: 6200 Kbps about 6.2 Mbps (tested with 5983 kB)
Download Speed is:: 757 kB/s
Tested From:: »testmy.net/ (server2)
Test Time:: Mon Sep 19 2005 15:04:39 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Bottom Line:: 111X faster than 56K 1MB download in 1.35 sec
Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 44.59 % faster than the average for host (comcast.net)
Validation Link:: »testmy.net/stats/id-1R0LWY6DG
My 30 adverage speeds. | |
| | | | | Cyberguru
join:2005-06-09
Phoenix, AZ | Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping lucky a**. must not be too many custies on your block... | |
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Maarvin
Premium
join:2005-04-11
Denver, CO
·Comcast
| I believe the correct term for this kind of ADVERTISING is called a:
eu•phe•mism \"yu-fe-'mi-zem\ n [Gk euphemismos, fr. euphemos auspicious, sounding good, fr. eu- good + pheme speech] : the substitution of a mild or pleasant expression for one offensive or unpleasant; also : the expression substituted — eu•phe•mis•tic \'yu-fe-"mis-tik\ adj
(c)2000 Zane Publishing, Inc. and Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. All rights reserved
A fallacy of logic used to confuse rather than to prove the argument. My neighbors in Longmont have been duped by a slick talking advertising department. It's not just Comcast, everyone from lawyers and politicians to shady car salesman use it. | |
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Doctor Four
My other vehicle is a TARDIS
Premium
join:2000-09-05
Dallas, TX
·AT&T U-Verse
| Re: All part of moving to all digital; no stopping said by Maarvin :A fallacy of logic used to confuse rather than to prove the argument. My neighbors in Longmont have been duped by a slick talking advertising department. It's not just Comcast, everyone from lawyers and politicians to shady car salesman use it. Actually, when a euphemism is used in this fashion (in order
to mislead or deceive) it is known as doublespeak. It is
language that doesn't communicate.
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| | moonpuppy
join:2000-08-21
Glen Burnie, MD
·Verizon Online DSL
| When Comcast has "issues" about deploying the lower cost Cablecards (which cost less to deploy than full digital boxes and don't allow PPV ordering), you know they want to grab more money from the customers.
Face it, this is nothing more than another way to go back to charging for set top boxes like before. | |
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Quaoar
join:2004-08-11
Fort Collins, CO
| Here is Colorado, and I'm just up the road from Longmont in Fort Collins, Comcast has franchise agreements with both municipalities and counties that specify what Comcast can and cannot do; I expect that Longmont and/or Boulder County (the Peoples Republic of Boulder, etc) have similar agreements. In this area, franchise agreements that predate Comcast do not allow for a basic, low cost cable subscription. Many areas have the $10 basic cable that is better than my $39 basic cable simply because there is open access and competition, i.e., no franchise agreements (read public monopoly agreements).
So what does Fort Collins get for its awarding a franchise to Comcast: buried cable, primarily. Secondarily a spiffy local access television system located in a closet somewhere with maybe $10K of equipment, a *government* access channel to broadcast city and county government meetings. Oh, Comcast has to agree to some minimum level of channel broadcasts.
So, this year was the designated "negotiation" year for approving the next five year (I think) franchise. Comcast set up a central meeting place for citizens to make known their desires for improvements, etc. There were several city/county/Comcast joint hearings. No one except some people who wanted a better public access broadcasting facility even bothered to show up. The process was open for three months, as I recall.
So, we now have digital simulcast, and On Demand is expected Real Soon Now for about a year. One thing we do have is far better than average service access, but for the extra $29 per month per subscription, could we expect less?
Q | |
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reub2000
Premium
join:2001-12-28
Evanston, IL | They better not get rid of my analog tv service. How else would the dual Haupauge PVR-250s in my mythtv box change the channels? | |
| | netmasta
join:2004-06-06
Randolph, MA
| My "Basic" line-up.
2 WGBH-2 (PBS)
3 CN8
4 WBZ-4 (CBS)
5 WCVB-5 (ABC)
6 New England Cable News
7 WHDH-7 (NBC)
8 Public Access
10 Government Access
12 WLVI-56 (WB)
13 WFXT-25 (FOX)
14 WSBK-38 (UPN)
15 WBPX-68 (PAX)
16 WGBX-44 (PBS)
17 WUNI-27 (UNI)
18 WMZY
19 WWDP-46 (Shop NBC)
20 WMFP-62 (IND)
21 WUTF-66 (Telefutura)
22 Educational Access
23 WYDN-48 (Daystar)
70 HSN
71 QVC
95 WNEU-60 (Telemundo) | |
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Ebolla
@70.88.x.x
| clarification on some of the info.
basic- local access channels and on air signal, mandated by fcc.
standard (expanded)- channels most people think of when cable/sat. services are mentions.
digital- typically channels in 200+range.
now as for the thought that "comcast is going 100% digital too bad" that just isnt correct.
comcast is turning all channels to digital but is keeping basic + basic expanded in analog as well, nothing will be completely digital with no analog until the federally mandated date goes through, but then that will affect all US citizens including those with analog sets and "rabbit ears". Most cable company's are doing this, but as the largest of them comcast seems to be the first out of the gate with upgrade. | |
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cableguru2
@comcast.net | Comcast will still have about 20 analog channels and the STB's are the same size as a modem. But the real reason is to triple the amount of channels they can offer (More HD ) | |
| cobo6
join:2002-02-18
Willingboro, NJ | That is just wrong That is just mess up...That why i dont't have comcast cable tv, Directv is the way to go | |
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See 8 replies to this post | |
Safemaster
Premium
join:2004-01-18
Loxahatchee, FL | UP-Grade at no additional charge LOL! that's Comcrap, crapping on its customers as usual. | |
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See 6 replies to this post | |
TechSponge
join:2001-05-14
Hillside, NJ
| Reminds me of April 1st a few years back... When they gave us the YES channel(YankDEEZ Baseball 24 hours a day) and removed what was once an awesome channel TechTV. Took away a show on Technology and Broadband- highly entertaining and educational(then ended up buying the channel and DESTROYING IT) and replacing it with Black and White games from 20+ years ago.
Comcast Employees and ESPECIALLY MANAGEMENT wake up and have 2 extra-large bowls of STUPID Brand Cereal for breakfast EVERY morning. These people are DUMB and GREEDY beyond anything I have ever seen. | |
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just passing by
@mn.chart
| Re: Reminds me of April 1st a few years back... Tech TV was mentioned as being "taken away." Even if it was, it is not longer on the air as techtv anyway.
Also, this is talking about removing channels from $10.73 a month basic cable. TBS and Discovery are typically expanded basic cable and comcast just put them where they belong. | |
| | BrotherJPW
join:2003-11-27
Glen Ellyn, IL | Its about damn time. This will prevent people from using free cable tv. | |
| 
Riss_Centaur
Mod'taur - - - - 4 On The Floor.
Premium,MVM,Ex-Mod 2005-07
join:2004-01-20
other
clubs:
| Digital Junk.... Well look at what Comcast did in the Chicago area not to long ago... Moved the Sci-Fi channel to Digital (and replaced it with the Golf Channel?)
Sure they want tus to move to Digital... Thats why Im moving to DirecTV.
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I have a plan so cunning you can pin a tail on it and call it a weasel!
Anyone who takes any of this seriously, deserves to! | |
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See 11 replies to this post | |
Time
Premium
join:2003-07-05 | Ok... It's a business, they are here to make money, not to please customers on the lowest service tier. | |
| Lepriapus
join:2002-02-01
Atlanta, GA | Yes But as stated earlier, they can only do this when WE the citizens let them get away with this. I gave up on Comcast TV years ago, and went with Satelite, and Comcast for Broadband. | |
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See 6 replies to this post | |
nasadude
join:2001-10-05
Rockville, MD
·Comcast
| basic tier is also cost regulated another "plus" for comcast is that the basic tier is the only part of cable that is regulated, so comcast is very contrained in raising the price of basic.
Since they can't raise the price, they will lower the value - getting TBS and Discovery off the basic tier means their programming fees are lower for basic. I predict they will keep doing this until the basic tier is little more than local channels plus a few others. Then if someone really wants "cable" they will have to get the pricier tiers where comcast is able to raise the rates by 5-8% per year.
It is great news....for comcast. And it is simplifying the lineup - fewer channels to clutter ones mind with. | |
| | 
haamster
Premium
join:2002-12-02
Monroe Township, NJ
1 edit | Re: basic tier is also cost regulated said by nasadude :another "plus" for comcast is that the basic tier is the only part of cable that is regulated, so comcast is very contrained in raising the price of basic. Since they can't raise the price, they will lower the value - getting TBS and Discovery off the basic tier means their programming fees are lower for basic. I predict they will keep doing this until the basic tier is little more than local channels plus a few others. Ummm.... The basic tier IS local channels and NO others. The only regulated portion of cable are the broadcast television stations that the FCC decides the cable company MUST CARRY -hence the 'must carry' rule.
This is usually called 'limited basic' or some such name. What everyone seems to be referring to here as 'basic cable' are all the analog channels, which is usually called 'preferred' or 'expanded' or something like that. These channels are unregulated, so your theory is kinda shot.
The FCC limits the price and determines the content of the most limited basic tier. After that Comcast is free to do what they think is best for their business.
It just seems that they can't win. If they leave everything on analog, all the naysayers here would crap on them for running such an outdated network. If they switch to all-digital, they're accused of gouging customers on the price of STBs. Then these same people will pat Dish and DTV on the back for their great prices even though they run into the same limitation.
I guess I just don't get it. | |
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NEP1611
join:2002-03-27
Northford, CT
| said by nasadude :I predict they will keep doing this until the basic tier is little more than local channels plus a few others. This has pretty much already happened. The whole reason cable companies created "expanded basic" tier was as a workaround for Federal re-regulation of cable TV rates. (I remember at the time it was laughable when the GM of our franchise said that this had nothing to do with re-regulations. Right.)
That said I believe that, to some extent, there is a minimum level of service that Comcast (or the franchise holder) must provide in this basic package. If our district is like others the digital tier is over-air channels, public access, and a handful of other channels, like Univision, TBS, QVC and NECN (cable news).
As you alluded to I would think that, since this is a money-loser for them, they would want to make the offering as spare as possible. The fact that they are including some "goodies" in there to me, as opposed to just over-air channels and public access, is an indication of that. | |
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crotchcast
@comcast.net | Another Comcast Cheap Shot! ....Maybe Comcast can tack on a 33% bundeling penalty to those who do not subscribe to HSI. Heh,Why stop here when your om a roll! | |
| | ebiebi
join:2003-08-13
Albuquerque, NM
| Digital price points too high Only a third sub to digital cable. Why? Its not remotely competitive with Sat and that is all there is to it. Sure CC wants to move its subs to their digital tiers.. its obvious they makes loads of money there. I think the only reason they still have millions using their crappy analog expanded is because of their HSI bundling. But once you sub to HSI and also get Digital cable.. your bill will zoom anyways. So people try to manage their bills at 100 dollars a month for expanded/HSI which they can barely choke down with all the yearly/biyearly hikes. Adding another 15 bucks for one digital receiver and another 7 bucks for every additional receiver puts the whole package well over hundred a month and most people just don't see the value at that point. When will CC understand that CC has set their price points too high on digital cable to move their expanded subs over? There bread and butter is their millions using expanded. They need to be careful not to piss them off too much since they will jump to Sat no doubt. | |
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basicsat
| Basic satellite Basic satellite packages start as low as around $20.
if you really want to jettison the cable line, comcast is no match for satellite. | |
| 
Obliteration
Premium
join:2005-09-18
Somewhere
| Price hikes with less channels is cool...NOT It is basically a price increase for the customer. With less channels for more money it only says that each channel is now more expensive.
I really hate how there is so little competition between companies. You don't see price hikes on Cheetos on Wal-Mart. If they did people would go to KMart or Target for them instead.
Broadband is one of the few businesses which there is very little competition between others so prices are decently high for not much speeds. | |
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jpl931
join:2001-02-22
Herculaneum, MO | Comcast There are times like this that satellite looks better and better all the time. | |
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techjoe
Premium
join:2004-02-20
Schererville, IN | news? They did this in my area a few months ago......
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www.clanc.cc | |
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bsc
Premium
join:2003-03-11
Lexington, KY
| that is nothing.. Where I live, a few months ago, they decided to make some changes to basic cable and other things.. one of the things they did was move Discovery Channel to expanded cable.. what did they replace it with you ask? None other than BET. Yea thats a good plan.. take learning away and replace it with rap music. Good game, future of america. | |
| 
nightdesigns
Gone missing, back soon
Premium
join:2002-05-31
AZ | Analog uses more bandwith One of the reasons cable companies are pushing digital is because they can fit a lot more digital channels in the same amount of bandwidth as an analog.
If you want more channels and faster internet speeds, it has to be done. | |
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NEP1611
join:2002-03-27
Northford, CT
| Shuffling channels Comcast did essentially the same thing here in CT. The main purpose here was twofold:
1. To group channels into themed tiers (news tiers, sports tiers, etc.) and
2. To make more uniform the channel orders statewide.
For the most part, over-air channels, and channels on the regulated basic tier, stayed in place (in many cases, Comcast has specific agreements with these channels to carry them in specific positions, which made this uniform to begin with.)
The second one is a bigger deal than you think. My dad lives in a different Comcast franchise than I do and every time we want to watch something I can never find the channel. (I would imagine that this would be an issue for people who move into different Comcast franchises as well.)
They also took this opportunity to reshuffle the deck a bit, adding, subtracting and moving channels. One of the big moves was their moving OLN to the analog tier (no doubt, to prepare for the NHL season and their own big plans with the channel) and they also added a number of Spanish-language channels and premium channels to digital. If anything it was a net gain.
Just remember, kids: If it wasn't for our friends at ESPN, we wouldn't be having these relentless increases in prices. When ESPN bids billions of dollars for the football, or baseball contracts, they do so knowing full well that they can pass the increases on to cable/satellite operators, and that there's not much they can do about it. Just be glad that Lifetime doesn't do the same for the rights to the Oprah Winfrey show.  | |
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See 6 replies to this post | |
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350ci
@mindspring.com
| Re: For the better... I'm not on Comcast, but in general I don't like where things are going. Especially having to rent some kind of "box" to get channels my TV is already technically capable of recieving via QAM digital tuner, if the cable companies would just transmit those channels in the clear (unscrambled). I can understand (vaguely) the need for a cable box for premium channels like HBO or something, but not for a "standard" type package. Basically it offends me when cable companies take away a capability I PAID FOR when I bought a TV with a digital tuner, and make me pay AGAIN to use their crummy box that has worse picture quality than my TV's built-in tuner.
I'm also afraid cable companies are going to treat HDTV as some kind of premium service, when it really should be a standard technical upgrade.
In a fair world, we'd be able to buy an HDTV, plug it directly into cable (with no boxes) and receive 60-70 channels of HD content for roughly the same price as we pay now. The transition to digital/HD should be no different to the consumer than the transition was to cable in the 1970s or 1980s when the cable-ready TV sets came out. | |
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Comcast Juggles Channels
All part of moving to all digital; no stopping it
Maybe so but read this
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