[mythtv-users] Cox Communications has turned off Firewire output

[Chad]

On 8/27/07, Tom Greer <trgreer at gmail.com> wrote:
> Cox Communications in Orange County, CA has disabled the IEEE1394 output on
> all of their cable boxes.
>
> I called Technical Support this afternoon and spoke to a supervisor, who
> informed me that this was a Cox Cable corporate decision.
>
> When I informed him that this violated FCC regulations, he simply repeated
> the new policy.
>
> I promptly informed him that I was going to file a complaint with the FCC -
> and immediately start the process of switching my telephone, internet
> provider and cable TV service elsewhere.
>
> I have filed a complaint with the FCC.
>
> FYI, The specific FCC regulation that requires this is 47cfr76.640 where it
> says:
>
>  (4) Cable operators shall:
>
>  (i) Effective April 1, 2004, upon request of a customer, replace any leased
> high definition set-top box, which does not include a functional IEEE 1394
> interface, with one that includes a functional IEEE 1394 interface or
> upgrade the customer's set-top box by download or other means to ensure that
> the IEEE 1394 interface is functional.
>
>  (ii) Effective July 1, 2005, include both a DVI or HDMI interface and an
> IEEE 1394 interface on all high definition set-top boxes acquired by a cable
> operator for distribution to customers.
>
> I'm not entirely convinced this is a nationwide issue.  Perhaps, we have a
> local yokel here that is feeling his Wheaties.  Is anyone else having this
> problem?
>
> Tom
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________

Depending on their level of commitment to the community, contact your
local government officials as well (congressman, city council, etc).
If you have more than 1 agency "breathing down their necks" it could
sway their decision now AND in the future...

-Chad