Cable companies lying about upcoming DTV switch on clarkhoward.com

We've been hearing from listeners about a rip-off being perpetrated by the cable companies. Customers who are on basic cable -- sometimes called analog cable in industry lingo -- are being told they must switch to new more expensive digital cable service, and pay for a box for each TV, because of the Feb. 2009 digital TV changeover. If the customer refuses to pay more, he or she is told they may not be able to receive all the channels that they currently enjoy. This is a complete lie, according to Clark.

Clark had Joel contact the Consumers Union about the issue. Consumers Union -- which publishes Consumer Reports -- had also received many complaints on the issue and filed a petition with the FCC about these lies. Joel also tried calling the FCC at least 4 separate times, but he got blown off each time.

Now the FCC has responded to the pressure and initiated an investigation of all the cable companies concerning their alleged lying. The cable companies are simply trying to capitalize on the confusion surrounding the Feb. 2009 changeover.

Here's what you need to know: The changeover only affects those who still get their TV via old-fashioned "rabbit ears" reception. The government is subsidizing the purchase of converter boxes for the rabbit ears crowd with $40 coupons. These converter boxes themselves cost anywhere from $40-$60. If you're a rabbit ears customer, be sure you get a converter box that transmits both analog and digital signals. That way you can still get smaller stations that are not required to switch to digital broadcasts.

Need more info? See Clark's guide to the analog-to-digital TV switch.

What others are saying

Comcast nickle and diming the customers
I first received a letter stating that I needed digital converter boxes for my analog televisions. I called and was told that my new HDTV did not need a converter box. But now channels are dissapearing from my HDTV set. Comcast now tells me that I must rent a converter box from them to continue to view the channels I'm paying for. I'm going to watch tv shows via the Internet instead. AT&T television is coming soon to my area. I'll wait to see what AT&T has to offer. And I am not paying one more penny to Comcast.
By Alexandra @ 10/05/09 07:57:18 PMreport abuse
Comcast Cable
In reference to the change from analog to digital we recently bought a digital plasma tv so that we could get all the new digitals and new HD channels.
After this I learn that because we dont have a rental box and pay an additional fee we have lost the History Channel does this also mean we wont be receiving any other digital channels. I have been a comcast customer for at least 10 years and I am tired of the continued rate increases and the decrease in service.
I refuse to buy a box so if we lose channels I will be canceling my service and going back to the radio if I have too. I just hope this stops soon before people have to make a choice to eat this week or watch cable.

Donna Adams
Kennesaw, GA
By Donna @ 01/26/09 03:39:51 PMreport abuse
comcast rip off boxes
I get the cable package one above the basic service. It is not cheap as you know. In November I received a letter stating if I did not get a digital box that I would loose channels 30 through 71. This has to be done by Jan 14th 2009. They only give you three free boxes. Most people have more then three TV's. If you want more boxes you have to pay a monthly fee for each box. I knew instantly that they were ripping people off. Just think about the MILLIONS they are making from people needing more then three boxes. I am so sick and tired of being ripped off. Being homebound I am not willing to give up my TV. There is no other cable company around and from what I have read about the dish networks they are not much better either. Then there is the issue of the NO customer service and the nasty and rude people at Comcast. I better stop before my blood pressure gets to high. I get so tired of the lies and rip offs from these companies and feel I have no power to do anything about it. After reading the comments here I can see I am not the only one who feels this way. These companies are not held accountable or are stopped by anyone so they just keep stealing from all of us. No wonder we are in the shape we are in.
By yc @ 01/13/09 08:14:02 PMreport abuse
Comcast Monopoly
The continued increase of fees and disregard of value to customers by Comcast is what happens when the cable provider exists as a monopoly. We should continue to push our local and federal regulators for competitive business business models for all services.
By Steve @ 01/01/09 08:29:08 PMreport abuse
Comcast
I spoke with Comcast yesterday and was told because we are on the basic cable system we will need to upgrade and install a box from Comcast for each television and if we don't, we will go from 80 channels to ONLY the local 9 stations. That is very expensive when you have a TV in almost every room. Who in their right mind is going to pay $65 a month to get 9 channels? Now I am completely confused on whether we are going to need to upgrade or not. According to your information, we do not need to do anything. Can you please clear this up for us.
By Mrs. Dowman @ 12/18/08 08:03:24 AMreport abuse
Comcast's response to concerns over loss of TV Guide Channel and History Channel
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Smith,

Thank you for contacting the Comcast Office of Rick Germano, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations regarding the channel changes you have seen.

I can understand you have some concerns about changes to your channel lineup. This has occurred and will continue to occur throughout this year due to the Digital Television (DTV) transition, which is the period during which television stations will switch from broadcasting in analog to digital format. I'll be happy to provide you with some information.

You may be aware in February of 2009 analog broadcasts will stop, and only digital signals will be available. Analog television sets will still be usable if connected to cable, or with the assistance of a set-top box as you mentioned can be provided to you by Comcast, which will convert the digital signal to analog; you don't have to worry about making any changes to the televisions you already have connected to Comcast cable.

In an effort to improve the quality and sound of our programming, as well as to manage the current bandwidth effectively to provide more programming choices and value, we have migrated some of our analog channels to digital.

These channels are being moved as part of our on going commitment and effort to provide more programming to our customers. Digital Channels are compressed so they take up less room on our line up, allowing us to add more channels. One Analog Channel takes the same amount of space as ten digital channels and or three Hi Def channels. In addition to providing room for more programming channels the channels being moved will now be transmitted in Digital which provides better picture and sound quality. Analog has size limitations and its antiquated technology doesn?t allow for flexibility or the interactive features that give our customers more, better and easier ways of enjoying TV. As a result of the increasing focus of consumers and our competitors on HDTV, Comcast needs to take broad and aggressive action to more effectively and efficiently use the power of our network to compete.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Weir
Office of Rick Germano
Comcast Customer Care

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<kanaAttribute name="Inquiry">As longtime Comcast customers we are very displeased at the loss of the History Channel and the TV Guide Channel. We live in the Atlanta area and have been told that we must sign up for digital cable and pay for each t.v. in the house in order to receive these channels. We have five televisions and at $5.00 per month per t.v. this will cost us an additional $25.00 per month. We feel this is unacceptable.

If you are going to continue to decrease our service I expect to see a decrease in my bill. If this continues I may be forced to reconsider whether Comcast is my best choice.

Michael and Katrinka Smith
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By Mike Smith @ 12/07/08 06:22:56 PMreport abuse
Comcast and Digital Conver
Comcast also took two channels from us saying we needed digital converter boxes for the rest of our TV's to receive all previous stations. According to Comcast, if I want to do business with them, this is true. They also stated that off the shelf converters will not work with their system and leasing is the only option. Who know's how many additional channels they will eliminate. Also, the FCC site information now says that only TVs with digital tuner will be able to accept the new signal without a digital converter box. This was only mandated in TVs from March 2007 and up. TVs older than this will probably have an analog tuner even if it is hidefinition. The manufacturer is the only source of accurate information regarding the type of tuner in your set. Also, the new information now clarifies that the rebate is only for digital converters for analog to digital signals from external antenas only. Seems like this is a scam that is just unfolding and the FCC is in the middle of it.
By Keith Goffinet @ 12/07/08 03:30:28 PMreport abuse
Analog-to-digital TV switch
The government's subidizing the purchase of converter boxes for the rabbit ears crowd with the $40 coupons is so ridiculous. The more we allow government to make us beholding to them, the worse off this country is going to be. I'm for less government "period"!
By Kathryn @ 11/21/08 01:10:14 PMreport abuse
Let Comcast know what you think
Those who've lost the tvguide and history channels and can no longer receive them unless you rent more digital receiver boxes, here's a link to let a VP at Comcast know your feelings on the loss of service when your still paying the same bill every month. http://www.comcastsupport.com/forms/contact/RickGermano/Default.aspx
By Mark @ 11/19/08 06:01:32 PMreport abuse
Comcast cable in ATL.
Want comcrap is doing is moving all the good channels to digital side and making us get three boxes and rising our lower price basic service to the same price as Digital we lost the history chanell this past week with no warning also got rate hight to the same as digital from 21.95 to 50.00 plus $$ and wants to charge $5.95 x 3 for the boxes
By David @ 11/19/08 04:17:42 PMreport abuse
San diego Cox cable is lying to customers
When I call to cancel my television cable service I was told that after February I was not going to be able to get channels out of the air, and that the TV was going to be dead.
the converter box was to convert the signal cox is sending and make it viewable on a normal TV.
I told him he was confused and he say, I work in this field and I know sir, your TV will be blank on February unless you keep the cable even basic will work.
By Mario @ 11/19/08 10:14:05 AMreport abuse
cable box rip=off
my friend was very distressed because she could no longer view of her beloved channels - Comcast told her she had to have a "box" because of the upcoming conversion - so she got the box - shame on Comcast if that is a rip-off, the lady is 87 yrs old!
By ruth mcgraw @ 11/19/08 09:36:33 AMreport abuse
Cable service plan and love it
I have the extended cable service and love it. With two cable boxes in two different rooms I will not change to the satellite. I can chose movies for free and with the extended service plan I have the On Demand and have the Starz On Demand and chose movies and I can even copy those movies if I want to.
By Ross @ 11/18/08 08:00:24 PMreport abuse
TV changeover
Even if you have cable or sattelite, you must have a digital TV. Some of the old ones are still analog.
By Guy Lucier @ 11/18/08 02:12:49 PMreport abuse
Cable Monopoly
Why cant we have some competition. Every neighborhood should have more than one cable company choice. I think they are in cahoots.
By Lindy Taylor @ 11/18/08 01:33:42 PMreport abuse
You do have a choice ya know?
Here in the Great Northwest we love our trees so a conversion to satellite takes some planning but if you live in Phoenix or anywhere the southern sky is easy to find WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING ON AN OLD FASHION SYSTEM KNOWN FOR THEIR RIPOFF TACTICS AND TELEPHONE RUDENESS? Not a shill for the satellite companies or anything but we converted 10 years ago to DIRECTTV and would never go back. As a matter of fact we are going move after the house market loosens up and I will be taking my handy trail compass with me whenever we preview a new house to make sure I can find the satellite from there. We have more channels than we can ever watch with 2 boxes I think our bill runs just over $50 a month.

Donny
By Donny @ 11/18/08 12:33:18 PMreport abuse
Basic Cable and Digital
Here's what my cable provider (GCI-ALASKA) tells us. I had to rent three boxes to continue getting my "basic" cable. "Customers with Basic Cable service will need a cable box to continue viewing channels. Pricing for the first digital converter with Basic Service is just $2.79 per month. GCI is offering a promotion giving the first three months free. Stop by any GCI store and get your first DCT FREE for 3 months; after that pay just $2.79 per month. Each additional DCT is $5.99 per month.

With the new digital Basic Cable service come some enhancements including access to pay-per-view movies and 48 channels of GCI's digital Music Choice CD-quality audio programming. Not all features are available with the
By Mary Grey @ 11/18/08 12:16:55 PMreport abuse
Comcast---phone call 11-17-08
Comcast took two channels from us saying we needed digital converter boxes for the rest of our TV's to receive all previous stations. I now see this is untrue. I plan to look else where for service and contact the FCC.
By Ed C @ 11/18/08 12:04:30 PMreport abuse
Charter theTheif
Back in May, I called and complained that my reception was very grain and that my digital box did not work. I had hard time turning the channel, I explained that it had been like that since I had it, but, it was in a room that I didn’t use that often, and I just did not take the time to call and have it fixed. They said the Tech would take a look at it, and he would bring a new box. Tech shows up no new box, so I said just take it with you, I will call Charter and tell them just to cancel the digital service. When tech was leaving, I was asked to sign service order, I asked if this was for the digital box, he said Yes. Now I am being charged $240.00 for the digital box. The Tech has denied leaving my house with the box. Any suggestions on what I should do now? I thought of filing a police report, I feel that the Tech STOLE it right from under my nose!!
By Susan @ 11/18/08 11:52:27 AMreport abuse
Charter vs Comcast
From reading the previous posts, it seems Charter is more reasonable than Comcast. (I don't work for either companies.)
By Ed @ 11/18/08 10:54:25 AMreport abuse
Cable companies
I have Comcast at my main home and Charter at my vacation home. Comcast kept taking channels away while keeping the price the sam saying they could not do anything about it because that channel was converting to digital. At my vacation home I was still receiving the same channel from Charter on my analog package so I know Comcast is really ripping off its customers.
By Bob @ 11/18/08 06:51:46 AMreport abuse
Cable
Pull the plug and stop watching it,
I finally broke the addiction, TV,
not just cable
By Craig @ 11/17/08 09:05:00 PMreport abuse
cable problems
Here is one tip about cable--when we moved, Charter was running a special of $99 if you bundled your phone, internet, and TV. The rate was good for one year. But at the end of the year, I called them and asked them to please extend it or I was going to look into getting a satellite system. They gladly gave us the promotional price again, for another year. I expect to call them again and ask for the same package next year. So don't be afraid to bargain with them. They want to keep your business, and if they can give a special rate to new subscribers, they can also give it to an old subscriber to keep them.
By CB @ 11/17/08 08:57:49 PMreport abuse
Cable t.v.
Hey-cable t.v. has been a rip off ever since its inception so why should now be any different? I cannot even communicate with one of the cable companies because of their lack of ethics. Who ever heard of having to put in a request to speak to a supervisor and waiting 24-48 hours to hear back from the supervisor if ever? Between the cable and phone companies, one needs a PH.d to read the bills and understand all the charges now. Can you imagine paying a fee to activate your already existing account? Check out your bills....
By Felicity @ 11/17/08 08:31:31 PMreport abuse
Outright theft
Somewhere up the management line for the cable companies, there is an executive who knowingly allowed these rip-offs to occur. He or she knew they would be deceiving people, but they did it anyway. Is there no such thing as "Ethics"? What happened to honesty? If there is a way to screw you out of money, most businesses are ready to do it. Thanks for helping Clark, but money changes everything.
By Paul @ 11/17/08 06:35:35 PMreport abuse
Lost channels
I am also a basic cable customer in Cobb County and lost the History channel and TV guide channel. Are more channels to follow and is this happening in other areas?
By Jeff @ 11/17/08 06:10:40 PMreport abuse
Cable hooey
We are basic cable customers and just lost the TV guide and History channels because we didn't "convert" to the digital package. I really wish there was a second choice of cable provider so we could tell these folks to drop dead!!!
By Connie @ 11/17/08 04:15:01 PMreport abuse
Movement of channels to digital
Clark, there is another issue here. I recently found out comcast moved the tvguide and History channel off the regular cable to the digital box only signal. So now you have to rent a digital box for every TV in the house just to be able to use the tvguide to see whats on. They "claim" they needed the bandwidth to add future channels. What good is cable if you can't tell whats on? Sounds like a scam to me to cause customers to pay more rental fees for their other tv's in the house.
By Mark @ 11/17/08 04:06:09 PMreport abuse
That's cable for you...
I can't believe that the cable companies still offer an analog-only tier. They could reclaim that space, convert it to digital and add 3 or more channels for every snowy analog channel they give you now.

Sure, everyone would need a cable box, but what's the big deal? Everyone who has satellite, or U-Verse, or FiOS or any other all-digital television service has a "cable box" instead of a direct hookup to the TV.

The benefits of getting an EPG (electronic program guide) with the cable box should be worth the $3-5 cost per month of the box alone!
By Tom Servo @ 11/14/08 05:30:49 AMreport abuse
cablopoly
I just spent 45 min. reprogramming the box that I just replaced because the previous one was defective. I was perfectly happy with my basic cable, but was forced to "switch" because of the Feb 2009 issue. I hope the FCC will finally do what they are suppose to do and investigate this greedy industry.
By patches @ 11/11/08 10:00:26 PMreport abuse
I noticed the government is finally looking into cable companies moving so many of their "basic" cable channels up to the digital tier without decreasing the cost for the basic cable package. About time, I couldn't believe how many of the channels I was used to seeing without a digital converter box under Charter were missing when I moved to a Comcast area, and they keep moving more and more of them all the time. I hadn't ever gone digital until my move but had to just to find some of my favorite shows. I still only pay for one cable box and move it back and forth between my bedroom and office if I know there's a show on digital I want to watch when I'm in the other room. Apparently I have my own penny-pinching tendencies, but I refuse to pay $5 per TV when I'm one person and can only watch one at a time (does make recording anything on digital difficult if I want to watch something on digital at the same time, though).
By jbean @ 11/11/08 12:31:37 PMreport abuse
Comcast customer
Comcast will win the battle simply because they have much embedded governmental, political and financial influence. The free digital starter box I recieved will last one year, then monthly fees will apply it you choose to keep the box. This is your government in action.
By fan @ 11/10/08 03:53:56 PMreport abuse
Not a "complete" lie
Clark said this:
"If the customer refuses to pay more, he or she is told they may not be able to receive all the channels that they currently enjoy. This is a complete lie, according to Clark."

It is not a complete lie. What Comcrap has done is move their analog channels to a digital signal so it is encrypted and the only way to receive it is with their cable box. And they have been doing it more and more. I have lost 6 channels in the last 18 months to the "digital" signal.

I am anxiously awaiting for AT&T U-Verse.
By Harry @ 11/10/08 01:22:24 PMreport abuse
digital tv
free over the air digital is better than anything you can get from cable or sattelite
By mattg528 @ 11/07/08 08:34:39 PMreport abuse
Digital Boxes
Comcast recently jacked up my cable rate. I received my coupons for for the new converter boxes. My out of pocket costs at Walmart were about $11. I had taken down my old antenna years ago when I had switched to cable and the antennae was pretty beat up. I can't believe how fantastic my picture is with the new digital converter boxes. Good Bye Comcast. Even my bedroom TV with rabbit ears receives a signal that is equal to or better than cable, and NO monthly charges!!! I would request the coupons and buy the converters if your TV is analog if you think there is any chance that in the future you might want to dump your cable or satellite.
By Ron @ 11/07/08 08:31:55 PMreport abuse
Converter Box
Not just people who use rabbit ears will need the converter box. Those who receive their television over the air -- they may have an antenna on the roof -- will need the box if they are still using an analog T.V.
By Mike @ 11/07/08 05:30:58 PMreport abuse
Cable TV
Clark, I have a letter from Comcast here in the Atlanta area that says I will loose at least one of my current Basic Channel(s) if I do not call immediately and get the "free" digital conversion kit... then when you read further down the page, I find out that the "free" kit has a $3.26 per month per TV charge.
By Dave @ 11/07/08 03:59:31 PMreport abuse
Digital TV
Cablevision in NY tried this on my parents - told them they will need 4 converter boxes. My parents are in their 80's and didn't know, good thing they asked me - saved them from spending $20/month on unneeded cable converter boxes
By Jeff @ 11/07/08 03:15:39 PMreport abuse
Home Security Cameras
Hell-o Mr. Clark:

Please advise on home security cameras. Is there an area to rate them on their reliability and cost? Thank you so very much.

Bre Lon
1brelonsenior@gmail.com
By Bre Lon @ 11/07/08 02:26:55 PMreport abuse

Comcast nickle and diming the customers

I first received a letter stating that I needed digital converter boxes for my analog televisions. I called and was told that my new HDTV did not need a converter box. But now channels are dissapearing from my HDTV set. Comcast now tells me that I must rent a converter box from them to continue to view the channels I'm paying for. I'm going to watch tv shows via the Internet instead. AT&T television is coming soon to my area. I'll wait to see what AT&T has to offer. And I am not paying one more penny to Comcast.

By Alexandra @ 10/05/09 07:57:18 PMreport abuse

Comcast Cable

In reference to the change from analog to digital we recently bought a digital plasma tv so that we could get all the new digitals and new HD channels.
After this I learn that because we dont have a rental box and pay an additional fee we have lost the History Channel does this also mean we wont be receiving any other digital channels. I have been a comcast customer for at least 10 years and I am tired of the continued rate increases and the decrease in service.
I refuse to buy a box so if we lose channels I will be canceling my service and going back to the radio if I have too. I just hope this stops soon before people have to make a choice to eat this week or watch cable.

Donna Adams
Kennesaw, GA

By Donna @ 01/26/09 03:39:51 PMreport abuse

comcast rip off boxes

I get the cable package one above the basic service. It is not cheap as you know. In November I received a letter stating if I did not get a digital box that I would loose channels 30 through 71. This has to be done by Jan 14th 2009. They only give you three free boxes. Most people have more then three TV's. If you want more boxes you have to pay a monthly fee for each box. I knew instantly that they were ripping people off. Just think about the MILLIONS they are making from people needing more then three boxes. I am so sick and tired of being ripped off. Being homebound I am not willing to give up my TV. There is no other cable company around and from what I have read about the dish networks they are not much better either. Then there is the issue of the NO customer service and the nasty and rude people at Comcast. I better stop before my blood pressure gets to high. I get so tired of the lies and rip offs from these companies and feel I have no power to do anything about it. After reading the comments here I can see I am not the only one who feels this way. These companies are not held accountable or are stopped by anyone so they just keep stealing from all of us. No wonder we are in the shape we are in.

By yc @ 01/13/09 08:14:02 PMreport abuse

Comcast Monopoly

The continued increase of fees and disregard of value to customers by Comcast is what happens when the cable provider exists as a monopoly. We should continue to push our local and federal regulators for competitive business business models for all services.

By Steve @ 01/01/09 08:29:08 PMreport abuse

Comcast

I spoke with Comcast yesterday and was told because we are on the basic cable system we will need to upgrade and install a box from Comcast for each television and if we don't, we will go from 80 channels to ONLY the local 9 stations. That is very expensive when you have a TV in almost every room. Who in their right mind is going to pay $65 a month to get 9 channels? Now I am completely confused on whether we are going to need to upgrade or not. According to your information, we do not need to do anything. Can you please clear this up for us.

By Mrs. Dowman @ 12/18/08 08:03:24 AMreport abuse

Comcast's response to concerns over loss of TV Guide Channel and History Channel

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Smith,

Thank you for contacting the Comcast Office of Rick Germano, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations regarding the channel changes you have seen.

I can understand you have some concerns about changes to your channel lineup. This has occurred and will continue to occur throughout this year due to the Digital Television (DTV) transition, which is the period during which television stations will switch from broadcasting in analog to digital format. I'll be happy to provide you with some information.

You may be aware in February of 2009 analog broadcasts will stop, and only digital signals will be available. Analog television sets will still be usable if connected to cable, or with the assistance of a set-top box as you mentioned can be provided to you by Comcast, which will convert the digital signal to analog; you don't have to worry about making any changes to the televisions you already have connected to Comcast cable.

In an effort to improve the quality and sound of our programming, as well as to manage the current bandwidth effectively to provide more programming choices and value, we have migrated some of our analog channels to digital.

These channels are being moved as part of our on going commitment and effort to provide more programming to our customers. Digital Channels are compressed so they take up less room on our line up, allowing us to add more channels. One Analog Channel takes the same amount of space as ten digital channels and or three Hi Def channels. In addition to providing room for more programming channels the channels being moved will now be transmitted in Digital which provides better picture and sound quality. Analog has size limitations and its antiquated technology doesn?t allow for flexibility or the interactive features that give our customers more, better and easier ways of enjoying TV. As a result of the increasing focus of consumers and our competitors on HDTV, Comcast needs to take broad and aggressive action to more effectively and efficiently use the power of our network to compete.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Weir
Office of Rick Germano
Comcast Customer Care

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<kanaAttribute name="Inquiry">As longtime Comcast customers we are very displeased at the loss of the History Channel and the TV Guide Channel. We live in the Atlanta area and have been told that we must sign up for digital cable and pay for each t.v. in the house in order to receive these channels. We have five televisions and at $5.00 per month per t.v. this will cost us an additional $25.00 per month. We feel this is unacceptable.

If you are going to continue to decrease our service I expect to see a decrease in my bill. If this continues I may be forced to reconsider whether Comcast is my best choice.

Michael and Katrinka Smith
Kennesaw, GA</kanaAttribute>
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By Mike Smith @ 12/07/08 06:22:56 PMreport abuse

Comcast and Digital Conver

Comcast also took two channels from us saying we needed digital converter boxes for the rest of our TV's to receive all previous stations. According to Comcast, if I want to do business with them, this is true. They also stated that off the shelf converters will not work with their system and leasing is the only option. Who know's how many additional channels they will eliminate. Also, the FCC site information now says that only TVs with digital tuner will be able to accept the new signal without a digital converter box. This was only mandated in TVs from March 2007 and up. TVs older than this will probably have an analog tuner even if it is hidefinition. The manufacturer is the only source of accurate information regarding the type of tuner in your set. Also, the new information now clarifies that the rebate is only for digital converters for analog to digital signals from external antenas only. Seems like this is a scam that is just unfolding and the FCC is in the middle of it.

By Keith Goffinet @ 12/07/08 03:30:28 PMreport abuse

Analog-to-digital TV switch

The government's subidizing the purchase of converter boxes for the rabbit ears crowd with the $40 coupons is so ridiculous. The more we allow government to make us beholding to them, the worse off this country is going to be. I'm for less government "period"!

By Kathryn @ 11/21/08 01:10:14 PMreport abuse

Let Comcast know what you think

Those who've lost the tvguide and history channels and can no longer receive them unless you rent more digital receiver boxes, here's a link to let a VP at Comcast know your feelings on the loss of service when your still paying the same bill every month. http://www.comcastsupport.com/forms/contact/RickGermano/Default.aspx

By Mark @ 11/19/08 06:01:32 PMreport abuse

Comcast cable in ATL.

Want comcrap is doing is moving all the good channels to digital side and making us get three boxes and rising our lower price basic service to the same price as Digital we lost the history chanell this past week with no warning also got rate hight to the same as digital from 21.95 to 50.00 plus $$ and wants to charge $5.95 x 3 for the boxes

By David @ 11/19/08 04:17:42 PMreport abuse

San diego Cox cable is lying to customers

When I call to cancel my television cable service I was told that after February I was not going to be able to get channels out of the air, and that the TV was going to be dead.
the converter box was to convert the signal cox is sending and make it viewable on a normal TV.
I told him he was confused and he say, I work in this field and I know sir, your TV will be blank on February unless you keep the cable even basic will work.

By Mario @ 11/19/08 10:14:05 AMreport abuse

cable box rip=off

my friend was very distressed because she could no longer view of her beloved channels - Comcast told her she had to have a "box" because of the upcoming conversion - so she got the box - shame on Comcast if that is a rip-off, the lady is 87 yrs old!

By ruth mcgraw @ 11/19/08 09:36:33 AMreport abuse

Cable service plan and love it

I have the extended cable service and love it. With two cable boxes in two different rooms I will not change to the satellite. I can chose movies for free and with the extended service plan I have the On Demand and have the Starz On Demand and chose movies and I can even copy those movies if I want to.

By Ross @ 11/18/08 08:00:24 PMreport abuse

TV changeover

Even if you have cable or sattelite, you must have a digital TV. Some of the old ones are still analog.

By Guy Lucier @ 11/18/08 02:12:49 PMreport abuse

Cable Monopoly

Why cant we have some competition. Every neighborhood should have more than one cable company choice. I think they are in cahoots.

By Lindy Taylor @ 11/18/08 01:33:42 PMreport abuse

You do have a choice ya know?

Here in the Great Northwest we love our trees so a conversion to satellite takes some planning but if you live in Phoenix or anywhere the southern sky is easy to find WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING ON AN OLD FASHION SYSTEM KNOWN FOR THEIR RIPOFF TACTICS AND TELEPHONE RUDENESS? Not a shill for the satellite companies or anything but we converted 10 years ago to DIRECTTV and would never go back. As a matter of fact we are going move after the house market loosens up and I will be taking my handy trail compass with me whenever we preview a new house to make sure I can find the satellite from there. We have more channels than we can ever watch with 2 boxes I think our bill runs just over $50 a month.

Donny

By Donny @ 11/18/08 12:33:18 PMreport abuse

Basic Cable and Digital

Here's what my cable provider (GCI-ALASKA) tells us. I had to rent three boxes to continue getting my "basic" cable. "Customers with Basic Cable service will need a cable box to continue viewing channels. Pricing for the first digital converter with Basic Service is just $2.79 per month. GCI is offering a promotion giving the first three months free. Stop by any GCI store and get your first DCT FREE for 3 months; after that pay just $2.79 per month. Each additional DCT is $5.99 per month.

With the new digital Basic Cable service come some enhancements including access to pay-per-view movies and 48 channels of GCI's digital Music Choice CD-quality audio programming. Not all features are available with the

By Mary Grey @ 11/18/08 12:16:55 PMreport abuse

Comcast---phone call 11-17-08

Comcast took two channels from us saying we needed digital converter boxes for the rest of our TV's to receive all previous stations. I now see this is untrue. I plan to look else where for service and contact the FCC.

By Ed C @ 11/18/08 12:04:30 PMreport abuse

Charter theTheif

Back in May, I called and complained that my reception was very grain and that my digital box did not work. I had hard time turning the channel, I explained that it had been like that since I had it, but, it was in a room that I didn’t use that often, and I just did not take the time to call and have it fixed. They said the Tech would take a look at it, and he would bring a new box. Tech shows up no new box, so I said just take it with you, I will call Charter and tell them just to cancel the digital service. When tech was leaving, I was asked to sign service order, I asked if this was for the digital box, he said Yes. Now I am being charged $240.00 for the digital box. The Tech has denied leaving my house with the box. Any suggestions on what I should do now? I thought of filing a police report, I feel that the Tech STOLE it right from under my nose!!

By Susan @ 11/18/08 11:52:27 AMreport abuse

Charter vs Comcast

From reading the previous posts, it seems Charter is more reasonable than Comcast. (I don't work for either companies.)

By Ed @ 11/18/08 10:54:25 AMreport abuse

Cable companies

I have Comcast at my main home and Charter at my vacation home. Comcast kept taking channels away while keeping the price the sam saying they could not do anything about it because that channel was converting to digital. At my vacation home I was still receiving the same channel from Charter on my analog package so I know Comcast is really ripping off its customers.

By Bob @ 11/18/08 06:51:46 AMreport abuse

Cable

Pull the plug and stop watching it,
I finally broke the addiction, TV,
not just cable

By Craig @ 11/17/08 09:05:00 PMreport abuse

cable problems

Here is one tip about cable--when we moved, Charter was running a special of $99 if you bundled your phone, internet, and TV. The rate was good for one year. But at the end of the year, I called them and asked them to please extend it or I was going to look into getting a satellite system. They gladly gave us the promotional price again, for another year. I expect to call them again and ask for the same package next year. So don't be afraid to bargain with them. They want to keep your business, and if they can give a special rate to new subscribers, they can also give it to an old subscriber to keep them.

By CB @ 11/17/08 08:57:49 PMreport abuse

Cable t.v.

Hey-cable t.v. has been a rip off ever since its inception so why should now be any different? I cannot even communicate with one of the cable companies because of their lack of ethics. Who ever heard of having to put in a request to speak to a supervisor and waiting 24-48 hours to hear back from the supervisor if ever? Between the cable and phone companies, one needs a PH.d to read the bills and understand all the charges now. Can you imagine paying a fee to activate your already existing account? Check out your bills....

By Felicity @ 11/17/08 08:31:31 PMreport abuse

Outright theft

Somewhere up the management line for the cable companies, there is an executive who knowingly allowed these rip-offs to occur. He or she knew they would be deceiving people, but they did it anyway. Is there no such thing as "Ethics"? What happened to honesty? If there is a way to screw you out of money, most businesses are ready to do it. Thanks for helping Clark, but money changes everything.

By Paul @ 11/17/08 06:35:35 PMreport abuse

Lost channels

I am also a basic cable customer in Cobb County and lost the History channel and TV guide channel. Are more channels to follow and is this happening in other areas?

By Jeff @ 11/17/08 06:10:40 PMreport abuse

Cable hooey

We are basic cable customers and just lost the TV guide and History channels because we didn't "convert" to the digital package. I really wish there was a second choice of cable provider so we could tell these folks to drop dead!!!

By Connie @ 11/17/08 04:15:01 PMreport abuse

Movement of channels to digital

Clark, there is another issue here. I recently found out comcast moved the tvguide and History channel off the regular cable to the digital box only signal. So now you have to rent a digital box for every TV in the house just to be able to use the tvguide to see whats on. They "claim" they needed the bandwidth to add future channels. What good is cable if you can't tell whats on? Sounds like a scam to me to cause customers to pay more rental fees for their other tv's in the house.

By Mark @ 11/17/08 04:06:09 PMreport abuse

That's cable for you...

I can't believe that the cable companies still offer an analog-only tier. They could reclaim that space, convert it to digital and add 3 or more channels for every snowy analog channel they give you now.

Sure, everyone would need a cable box, but what's the big deal? Everyone who has satellite, or U-Verse, or FiOS or any other all-digital television service has a "cable box" instead of a direct hookup to the TV.

The benefits of getting an EPG (electronic program guide) with the cable box should be worth the $3-5 cost per month of the box alone!

By Tom Servo @ 11/14/08 05:30:49 AMreport abuse

cablopoly

I just spent 45 min. reprogramming the box that I just replaced because the previous one was defective. I was perfectly happy with my basic cable, but was forced to "switch" because of the Feb 2009 issue. I hope the FCC will finally do what they are suppose to do and investigate this greedy industry.

By patches @ 11/11/08 10:00:26 PMreport abuse

I noticed the government is finally looking into cable companies moving so many of their "basic" cable channels up to the digital tier without decreasing the cost for the basic cable package. About time, I couldn't believe how many of the channels I was used to seeing without a digital converter box under Charter were missing when I moved to a Comcast area, and they keep moving more and more of them all the time. I hadn't ever gone digital until my move but had to just to find some of my favorite shows. I still only pay for one cable box and move it back and forth between my bedroom and office if I know there's a show on digital I want to watch when I'm in the other room. Apparently I have my own penny-pinching tendencies, but I refuse to pay $5 per TV when I'm one person and can only watch one at a time (does make recording anything on digital difficult if I want to watch something on digital at the same time, though).

By jbean @ 11/11/08 12:31:37 PMreport abuse

Comcast customer

Comcast will win the battle simply because they have much embedded governmental, political and financial influence. The free digital starter box I recieved will last one year, then monthly fees will apply it you choose to keep the box. This is your government in action.

By fan @ 11/10/08 03:53:56 PMreport abuse

Not a "complete" lie

Clark said this:
"If the customer refuses to pay more, he or she is told they may not be able to receive all the channels that they currently enjoy. This is a complete lie, according to Clark."

It is not a complete lie. What Comcrap has done is move their analog channels to a digital signal so it is encrypted and the only way to receive it is with their cable box. And they have been doing it more and more. I have lost 6 channels in the last 18 months to the "digital" signal.

I am anxiously awaiting for AT&T U-Verse.

By Harry @ 11/10/08 01:22:24 PMreport abuse

digital tv

free over the air digital is better than anything you can get from cable or sattelite

By mattg528 @ 11/07/08 08:34:39 PMreport abuse

Digital Boxes

Comcast recently jacked up my cable rate. I received my coupons for for the new converter boxes. My out of pocket costs at Walmart were about $11. I had taken down my old antenna years ago when I had switched to cable and the antennae was pretty beat up. I can't believe how fantastic my picture is with the new digital converter boxes. Good Bye Comcast. Even my bedroom TV with rabbit ears receives a signal that is equal to or better than cable, and NO monthly charges!!! I would request the coupons and buy the converters if your TV is analog if you think there is any chance that in the future you might want to dump your cable or satellite.

By Ron @ 11/07/08 08:31:55 PMreport abuse

Converter Box

Not just people who use rabbit ears will need the converter box. Those who receive their television over the air -- they may have an antenna on the roof -- will need the box if they are still using an analog T.V.

By Mike @ 11/07/08 05:30:58 PMreport abuse

Cable TV

Clark, I have a letter from Comcast here in the Atlanta area that says I will loose at least one of my current Basic Channel(s) if I do not call immediately and get the "free" digital conversion kit... then when you read further down the page, I find out that the "free" kit has a $3.26 per month per TV charge.

By Dave @ 11/07/08 03:59:31 PMreport abuse

Digital TV

Cablevision in NY tried this on my parents - told them they will need 4 converter boxes. My parents are in their 80's and didn't know, good thing they asked me - saved them from spending $20/month on unneeded cable converter boxes

By Jeff @ 11/07/08 03:15:39 PMreport abuse

Home Security Cameras

Hell-o Mr. Clark:

Please advise on home security cameras. Is there an area to rate them on their reliability and cost? Thank you so very much.

Bre Lon
1brelonsenior@gmail.com

By Bre Lon @ 11/07/08 02:26:55 PMreport abuse

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