Thursday, September 3, 2009

CABLE BOX CONFUSION

Hi All,
-
Ok, there is a bit of confusion about the Cable Box (CB).
-
The following Comment appears in another thread:
……………………………………………………..
Anonymous said...

-
While we're at it, can someone explain the difference between the Comcast boxes? Do you get the same stations with a pre-existing box for which you pay as you do with a new box installed under the new contract? I understood that under the new contract i don't have to pay anymore for my pre-existing box but I’m still getting a bill for it. Shall I turn in the box to Comcast and get a new box installed? What’s the solution?Confused.
………………………………………………………
A CB is a special purpose Radio Receiver. It consists of three main parts; they are Tuner, Demodulator/Demultiplexer and MODEM.(Modulator-Demodulator).

-
The MODEM, just like the one in a PC, allows for two way communication with the Head End. Thus, any full featured CB, or more correctly Set-Top Converter can receive instructions from the Head End and thus tune and display any TV product that you the subscriber want to pay for.

-
So, any of the Comcast Set-Top Converters, from the basic Box, included in our contract, to the top of the line HD/DVR CB (High Definition/Digital Video Recorder) can display the same set of channels, it’s all a matter of what Tier you are willing to purchase.
-
Now, if you had a pre-existing CB, which you have been paying for since before the deployment of our contract CB; why would you expect to get that box for nothing? Rather, with the signing of our new contract, if you do not take the contracted basic box; you will receive a small credit on your pre-existing box.

-
What if you take the new basic box in addition to your pre-existing CB; well, then you will see a fee of $6.50 for an Additional Outlet. We on the Cable Committee do not feel that this is correct, as our contract calls for that basic box to come as part of the Bulk Rate under our agreement at no addition cost. This issue is under discussion with Comcast.

-
The recommended approach, for the moment, if you have a pre-existing CB is as follows:

-
1) Do not take the Basic Box, wait for the small credit.


2) For two additional TV’s, wait for the DTA (Digital Terminal Adaptor) boxes. There will be two of them And they will be free. They will receive all channels from 2 – 99 even when channel 31 - 99 transform to digital.

-
The DTA box is not a two way box.

-
For any TVs beyond 3, take no box whatsoever; yes, in due course there will only be 30 analog channels remaining for reception without box; but this is the lowest cost approach.

-
Dave Israel
Cable Chair

8 comments:

Mike said...

Hi Dave;
Let me get this right ,(1) If I had no box and they give me one for the new setup, there is no charge .(2)At some point comcast will supply one or two feeder boxes depending on how many bedrooms a unit owners has to get the basic channel package in the bedrooms. These boxes do not allow pay for view or upgrade tiers. Only the main box gets pay for view and upgrade tiers. If one wants those services in the bedrooms, they must buy or rent a box like the main box in livingroom. Do I have this right?
Thank, Mike

UCO President said...

Hi Mike,
Sep 3, 2009 9:36:00 PM,

Absolutely correct, no charge, beyond the Bulk Rate of course!

Also correct as regards the DTA Boxes.

How about joining the Cable Committee!

Dave Israel

Mike said...

You gotta be kidding me , lol

Anonymous said...

RIGHT NOW I'M BEING BILLED
$13 A MONTH FOR I ASSUME THE PRE-EXISTING BOX. WHY IS THAT?

Anonymous said...

So if I want to get the free movies, and not anything else, which box do I want? Just to simplify things, without all the technical stuff.

rewrite mike said...

Dave, I am deeply honored that you would nominate me, It's humbling, and it's amazing. It's something I never thought would happen, I'm terribly appreciative of this honor. I love you, Dave! I love you,brother! I love you, man! Everybody, I love you. I love you all.

UCO President said...

Hi A Nony Mouse
Sep 4, 2009 10:11:00 AM,

I can account for $6.50, as the Additional Outlet fee, which we are contesting.

To account for the other $6.50, I would have to see your Cable bill.

Dave Israel

UCO President said...

Hi A Nony Mouse
Sep 4, 2009 11:15:00 AM,

The free movies in the Video on Demand channel 1, are in the bulk contract, and may be viewed on any box which has been activated for the Digital Starter Tier.

If you had a pre-existing box, you had it because you had subscribed to something over and above Basic Cable, since Digital Starter is the lowest tier above Basic Cable, you already had the free movies, and had no need for the new box.

You should have simply advised Comcast that you are a CV unit owner, you already have a box, thus you do not need the new box.

Remind them about the credit to be applied, and sit back and enjoy the movies.

Dave Israel