[mythtv-users] Will we ever have Clear QAM WAS: Seattle Times: Comcast to encrypt basic cable QAM channels

[John Drescher]

> I am not in the Seattle area, but this got me thinking. If my local cable
> company left all basic cable channels as clear QAM I would have maybe 15
> channels. Where I am located basic cable means broadcast plus a couple of
> government and nothing else. The local broadcast are already available as
> clear QAM so there is not much difference.
>
> Let me look at it from a different angle. What if the cable co left all
> expanded basic channels clear QAM they would have no way to prevent the
> users with basic cable from receiving the expanded basic channels. I do not
> know how their system works, but I think they need some way to prevent users
> from viewing material they do not pay for. I just do not know where the
> comprise needs to be made.
>
> Thoughts?
>
I do not see cable companies wanting to compromise especially when
digital converter boxes are cheap for them and their customers will
accept converter boxes. Also since the competition (DirectTV, Dish,
FIOS) is nearly 100% encrypted content why bother.

John