[mythtv-users] firewire trouble on SA 4240HDC

[Robert McNamara]

Thanks Robert, that makes a lot of sense for what I am experiencing.

When trying to set all this up, I ran into many citations to FCC

regulations regarding firewire ports and capabilities.  Are they

legally obligated to do anything in this case, and if so what?  Also

what specifically should I ask for and what is the best way to do so?


Hi Kirk,

Yep, FCC regulations do require that they give you a box with a firewire
port on demand, that that port be "active," and that they make available
unencrypted any channels which you could receive via OTA broadcast.  They
aren't required to give you anything else via firewire, though.  Pretty much
what they are technically required to give you amounts to Network TV and
local/community college type channels for most people.  Sadly, your
experience is not unique and a provider totally ignoring this regulation is
not unheard of.  Sadly, the regulation doesn't have much in the way of
"teeth" as the only thing a provider really (theoretically) jeopardizes by
ignoring it is their license renewal.  The reality is that they have too
much money, too many lawyers, lobbyists, etc. to ever see that actually
happen.  That said, I have heard stories of people suing in small claims
court (where, at least in California, they cannot have lawyers present) and
getting monetary judgments this way.  First step is to get onto the myth
wiki and go to the firewire page, where the regulation is linked.  That way
you can quote it chapter and verse when you call the cable co.  They will
probably not know much on the first CSR level, but if they can put you in
touch with a headend engineer, maybe you can make some progress that way.
 Let us know how it goes.

Robert
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