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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dpjax @ Apr 8th 2007 10:57PM
You sound like a scorned woman.
Consumers need to know that on the current gen of cable cards you won't get VoD, Impulse PPV, VoD PPV or a worthy guide (TV Guide On Screen is a joke compared to any modern guide).
Yes, cable companies increase profits by renting you a box and selling you PPV/VoD services but I don't think they are against cards - its still a way to sell you premium services you couldn't get on your analog service or built-in QAM tuner. Also, there is VERY LITTLE demand for current cable cards, even with the fancy new TiVo. No one is interested and a trip to Circuit City/Best Buy/etc will confirm this.
The FCC will force the cable providers hand and since the FCC has made a date I doubt any provider will be offering new cards until that exact date. Once we are there, lets see what TV/devices come out to support the cards.
I think consumers are better served voicing that the local cable company drop all analog services to open that bandwidth up to more programming. Where I live, there are about 70 channels of analog programming. Each analog channel wastes the same amount of bandwidth needed for at least 2 1080i HD services or 8-12 SD digital services or another 40Mb/s for your DOCSIS modem.
BTW, I have a Pioneer PDP-5060HD & a Sharp Aquos LCD and both have a moto 3412 DVR & cable card in use. The card on the plasma has a superior picture to the moto box (in my eyes). I like the combo because the wife will record 2 shows at once and I can still surf the HD channels on the card. :)