[mythtv-users] FCC releases CableCard changes

[Brian Wood]

On Monday, October 18, 2010 09:49:27 am Ben Kamen wrote:
> On 10/18/2010 10:39 AM, Brian Wood wrote:
> > True, since companies usually use a rule-of-thumb like "each letter
> > actually represents 100 (or whatever) people".
> > 
> > The problem is writing a letter (paper or electrons) that actually makes
> > it to the exec's eyes, and not some overworked assistant who simply
> > chalks up another tick mark under "unhappy".
> 
> Exactly. I've taken the time to write to some companies with good response.
> But the bigger they are, the harder it is to get a letter to the real
> person at the top and not one of their minions.
> 
> > It would probably actually help to not mention Linux or MythTV, the few
> > execs who have actually heard of either are likely to write them off as
> > pirates or cranks.
> > 
> > Tivo users are probably at least a little more socially acceptable.
> 
> What about microsoft users?
> 
> In any case, I agree.. it would be very easy to write:
> 
> "I'm discontinuing|hesitant to buy your services"....."because of the
> growing demand of control of HOW, WHEN and WHERE I can watch the content I
> buy with your services. We all have busy lives and I see no reason to
> spend $xxx per month, when I *MUST* be AT HOME, IN FRONT of the TV at
> PRECISELY 8pm on SATURDAY night when I have other commitments planned.
> Therefore, I (am hesitant|refuse to continue) to spend more money on your
> services which I am not allowed to enjoy."
> 
> Ya know?
> 
> I have the most basic of cableTV only because my G/F demands it. I would be
> happy watching shows on the internet (well under my BW cap -- because
> they're so few in number). She pushes and I push back that it's more
> channels of nothing. We can't justify spending the $30 or more for just a
> couple more channels ESPECIALLY when she's in school and I work a lot
> where I can't watch it.
> 
> So there's actually $360/yr they AREN'T getting from me at all - and I'm
> much less likely to spend when I know my TiVo or Myth won't be able to do
> anything.
> 
> Hmm.. I need to get writing that letter. Hahaha.

The problem is you would just get a sales pitch for the CCs own DVR offering, and the attached monthly rental fee. The fact 
that those offerings suck is lost on the CC exec.

Our local CC is running adverts for their "Whole Home" DVR system, fortunately Myth identifies them as commercials and 
skips them.

Those locally-inserted ads on cable seem to be the easiest for Myth to identify as commercials, brutal, abrupt sometimes 
not even synchronous transitions and large differences in both APL and loudness, pretty easy to spot.