[mythtv-users] pcHDTV 3000 available Now

[Michael T. Dean]

Cory Papenfuss wrote:

>     AFAIK, it's primarily an incremental improvement to remove 
> dependence on legacy parts.  I looked at it a bit this morning, and it 
> uses the CX23883 chip, which is a higher-quality pin-compatible 
> replacement for the BT879.  It also uses a new Oren ATSC demod chip 
> and supports 3.3V PCI (as opposed to only 5V PCI).
>
>     "Cable HDTV" support is supposedly possible (on the HD2000 as 
> well), but requires some more work to enable it.  Remember, though, 
> that it will never support encrypted streams... just unencrypted MPEG 
> data sent via QAM (as opposed to OTA 8-VSB modulation).
>
>     I'd be interested to know:

I wish someone--hint, hint, Michael Powell/FCC--would make this 
information available.  We, as consumers, have a right to know before we 
buy that the cable companies have us right where they want us (and have 
complete power over their customers).

> 1. How many cable providers encrypt their HDTV streams now.

I don't have numbers, but I've heard that a very large percentage of 
providers encrypt nearly all channels--even those that are available for 
free OTA.  However, some are kind enough to transmit their "What's On 
TV" channel and their "How to Enjoy Your (provider's name) Cable TV" 
channel unencrypted.  Therefore, you find out all about movies on demand 
and using your remote control to watch your local TV schedule so you 
know what you're missing...

> 2. How many will chose to once HD is more popular.

I think it's only a matter of time until they all do as above.  
Unfortunately, since providers have to pay for retransmitting the free 
OTA broadcasts, most providers consider making them available 
unencrypted to be "giving it away"--even if you need to pay their $60/mo 
(or whatever they charge for the HD package) to have it piped in to your 
house--because you could watch it on more than one TV at once.

Mike