Comcast Encrypting Basic Cable In The Near Future

Comcast Encrypting Basic Cable In The Near Future

The FCC permitted cable providers to encrypt basic cable towards the end of last year and now Comcast has detailed its plans for moving ahead with cable encryption. Those who do not use a CableCard enabled device or a Comcast set-top box will need to install an adapter so that they can keep watching encrypted cable. That is why Comcast has already begun telling its subscribers in some markets that it is going to encrypt cable over the coming months. Boxee TV users will also have an adapter available for them.

The adapter boxes for such customers will be offered free for two years, but they have to be requested during the period in which they’re being offered. Those who receive Medicaid have the option of five years. After the relevant time passes, the boxes will bear a monthly rental fee of $.50. The company has said that it will be rolling out basic cable encryption on a market-by-market basis over the next few months. Comcast says this move will provide greater convenience for their customers and will reduce the need for scheduled in-home appointments.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Taiwan Investigating Samsung For Using Dirty Advertisement Tricks Against HTC, Star Wars Guitars Places Millennium Falcon At Your Fingertips,

    

Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels

If you’re a Comcast cable subscriber, be prepared for yet another television transition. Comcast has made official its plans to begin encrypting its basic cable channels. Comcast has begun notifying its customers in select markets that they will need to order a digital adapter if they want to continue to receive basic cable channels through Comcast.

comcast

Of course, the biggest concern is whether or not customers will have to pay for the digital adapter. However, Comcast says that it’s making adapters available for free in some markets, and they will have an adapter that works with third-party set-top boxes. However, some users may have to pay for their adapter if Comcast doesn’t provide one in their location or for their specific device.

However, those using a Comcast set-top box or a CableCARD-enabled device won’t need the adapter, and those who need one will be able to get one for free for up to two years. After that, you’ll have to pay $0.50 per month per TV in your household. Only two adapters are aloud per household, though, so it seems you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket if you need a third or fourth.

As for when the encryption will officially begin rolling out, Comcast says that they’ll be rolling it out on a market-by-market basis in the coming months, meaning that some subscribers will get it before others. The company says that the transition to encrypted cable will provide greater convenience for customers because the encryption will reduce the need for in-home appointments.

[via GigaOM]


Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Comcast Is Going to Start Encrypting Basic Cable Data

There are about to be some very unhappy Comcast customers scattered around the country—because the cable provider has just begun to notify customers in several of its markets that it’s about to start encrypting basic cable data. In other words: time for a new box, suckers. More »

Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels, require set-top box for all content

Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels, require settop box for all content

Well, this is quite a blow to basic cable viewers. Up until recently, Comcast has allowed subscribers to access certain channels without adding a set-top box for every TV — instead, you’d simply connect your TV directly via coax (how quaint!). Now, certain customers have received word that their free ride will soon be coming to an end. The media giant will begin is expanding the area where it encrypts basic cable channels, requiring a single STB for each and every television that you plan to use. A Comcast Q&A document only addresses home users, so it’s unclear whether enterprise subscribers would also be affected — though that wouldn’t be out of the question.

We think the move could mean a more complicated (and pricey) installation at hospitals, university dorms and even neighborhood gyms, where TVs installed in cardio equipment often plug directly into wall jacks, not to mention the inconvenience you’ll be facing at home. This latest setback, of course, follows an FCC decision to allow companies to encrypt their basic cable channels — the authorization was reportedly granted to cut back on service theft, among other concerns. Comcast will be issuing up to two adapters to each subscriber at no charge for up to two years, assuming you request your equipment within four months of the date of encryption. That’s the good news, but encrypted content is quite a bummer, nonetheless.

Update: Comcast has already implemented encryption in certain areas — this latest move simply represents a wider rollout. Additionally, Comcast-issued set-top boxes are not required when a CableCard solution is in use. Boxee TV owners can receive a new E-DTA that turns Comcast’s encrypted cable channels into IP streams, as specified in an earlier agreement.

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Via: GigaOM

Source: Comcast

Neo-Plug Magnetic Mobile Device Charger & Data Cables: MagSafe All the Things!

If you own a MacBook, then you’re probably thankful for its handy MagSafe, the magnetized power connector for your laptop’s charger. Not only does it make connecting the charger to your laptop insanely easy, it also detaches fairly easily. When you trip over the cord or yank it off forcefully, it won’t take your precious MacBook down with it. The Neo-Plug works just like the MagSafe, except it’s for mobile devices.

neo plug magnetic charger adapter

Invented by Jacob Brozek, the Neo-Plug takes its name from the neodymium magnets that connect its two parts together. Jacob’s design essentially divides the connector end of a charger or data cable into two parts. One end stays on the cable while the other end stays on the port of your mobile device. The magnets embedded on both halves connect the two parts effortlessly.

Brozek is seeking to raise $167,000(USD) on Kickstarter by May 8 to finish his product, but with such a good product I think he’ll raise more than that amount. As of now the Neo-Plug has three variants – micro-USB, 30-pin and Lightning. Pledge at least $30 and you get a Neo-Plug of your choice. You can also learn more about the Neo-Plug on its website.

People Stream Netflix More Than They Watch Any Cable Network

In the last three months, Netflix subscribers watched four billion hours of streaming content according to Reed Hastings. And a report from BTIG Research calculates that this puts Netflix ahead of any cable channel. More »

Cablevision’s Optimum for iPad app adds streaming even when users are away from home

Cablevision's Optimum for iPad app update adds streaming even when users are away from home

It’s been about two years since Cablevision introduced its Optimum for iPad app that brought its live TV channels streaming to the tablet, and now it’s finally ready to offer the feature even when users are away from their home WiFi network. That ability is coming in an update rolling out tonight, however currently it only applies to the News 12, News 12 Traffic & Weather & MSG Varsity channels. All of those are at least partially owned by Cablevision, which should help it avoid the sort of legal challenges suffered by its initial rollout. Other tweaks in version 3.1 include improved guide info for shows, the ability to delete multiple recordings and an indicator when scheduling an in-progress recording. Of course, most subscribers will want to stream other, more popular channels to their mobile devices and PCs no matter where they are — we’ll see if they start popping up soon, and how quickly the lawsuits fly afterwards.

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Source: iTunes

The First Honest Cable Company Commercial

Cable companies are universally regarded as only slightly more popular than evil dictators, and a little less fashionable than certain strains of STDs. How do you fix something like that? Honesty! We’re awful; we’re unstoppable; you’ll hate us; deal with it. That’s something you could respect (and which would be applicable basically everywhere in the world but east Asia). Hell, I’d probably switch to this company if it were real. [YouTube] More »

Verizon FiOS tops list of best internet bundles by Consumer Reports

We all seem to have issues with our cable company. Whether it’s because of weird charges on our monthly bill or unreliable service, there seems to never be a decent cable company out there that can provide a great experience for its customers. However, that’s not all true. It turns out that Verizon FiOS is pretty good, as it topped the list of Consumer Reports’ best internet/cable/phone bundles.

verizon

Based on a survey consisting of the thoughts and recommendations of 84,000 internet/cable/phone bundle subscribers, Verizon FiOS came out on top due to its reliability, great picture and phone call quality, and high service satisfaction. Of course, FiOS is only available in a select number of areas in the US, so some customers are out of luck if they’re looking for the best option.

However, Consumer Reports recommends some alternatives if you’re not looking for a complete “triple-play” bundle. For instance, they recommend DirecTV if you’re just looking for a television package, and they also mention Vonage and Ooma as great phone-only options if you’re already happy with your internet and television packages. Of course, many households are looking to cut the cable cord and just go with internet-only options, which many service providers are happy to do.

The report from Consumer Reports is rather extensive, and it features ratings of internet/TV/phone bundles from 14 different companies, as well as companies that offer individual phone, TV, or internet services. The full report can be found in the May issue of Consumer Reports, which is out now.


Verizon FiOS tops list of best internet bundles by Consumer Reports is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Bloomberg: Intel nearing TV service deals with Time Warner, Viacom and NBC

Bloomberg: Intel nearing TV service deals

It’s a very poorly kept secret that Intel is looking to bust in the pay-TV business. Rumors have been circulating since at least December that the chip giant is working on its own set-top box and hopes to pair it with a “virtual cable” service that offers unbundled channels. Of course, content creators are reticent to give up the lucrative package deals they’ve struck, which require providers to serve up smaller outlets alongside popular ones. But the tides are starting to shift, and many are demanding that these channels be offered à la carte. According to Bloomberg, Intel is getting close to offering such a service and is reportedly closing in on deals with Time Warner, Viacom and NBC that would allow them to offer both live and on-demand content over the internet. Sources are reporting that the broad terms of the deal have been agreed to, and its only a few fine details and some financial terms that need to be finalized. Intel is also allegedly in talks with Disney, CBS and News Corp. Though, those negotiations are in the preliminary stages. If Intel can successfully land deals for CNN, Comedy Central, MTV and other properties owned by its supposed new partners then its TV experiment could stand a legitimate chance at success.

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Source: Bloomberg