[mythtv-users] FCC Broadcast Digital Channel Requirements

[Chase Douglas]

On Aug 24, 2008, at 12:54 PM, Jack Trout wrote:
> It was my understanding that the FCC requires cable companies to
> transmit, unencrypted, all local broadcast channels over their cable
> network. For instance, I have the Time Warner Basic Cable package in
> Columbus, OH that gives me access to most of the analog channels.
> Although I have not ordered any digital package, I have also been able
> to receive the digital versions of the local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS,
> and The CW channels. I just realized today that I can no longer
> receive FOX or ABC. Interestingly, they both are subchannels of the
> same ATSC channel. I called up the Time Warner Cable support line, and
> I was told that because I do not have any digital package I should not
> be receiving any digital channels.
>
> First, am I correct in my assumption that the FCC requires cable
> companies to transmit local broadcast channels in all circumstances,
> analog and digital? Second, if that's true, does anyone know of where
> I can find the FCC regulations stipulating this in case I have to
> lodge a formal complaint?
>
>
> Chase,
>  I too live in columbus and had this symptom, then I ran a new scan  
> on my televisions. they moved them from channel mapping 110 .1.2.3  
> to 78 .1.2.3
>
> They have also from time to time left unencrypted premium channels  
> for a few weeks I had all of the analog versions of showtime  
> unencrypted.
>
> They will probably shuffle these around at thier whim, because they  
> can remap the cable boxes to keep them on the same organizational  
> channel but changing thier wire broadcast frequency. Not thinking  
> about or caring that some of us have ClearQAM tuners attached  
> directly to thier network and are using them to record from.  
> although the old layout did last at least a year before they shifted  
> it.
>
> As for tech support at time warner not knowing about thier ClearQAM  
> transmissions. I find that when I call level one support doesnt know  
> much that isnt on thier basic script. if you can see images on your  
> screen clearly, your cable modem light isnt blinking or you dont  
> have a billing question and you have to get to level 2 or 3 to get  
> an intelligent response.

Uggh...

I rechecked my cable and found that ABC and FOX had been moved to  
78.*. I don't know how I missed that last time I checked.

Thanks a lot for pointing me in the right direction.