Cablevision Caught Blatantly Lying To Customers About Digital TV Switch
from the don't-blame-us,-blame-the-fcc dept
As you probably have heard, in early 2009, over-the-air TV stations will no longer be broadcasting analog signals to those who receive television over-the-air (with an antenna). This is part of a necessary effort to reclaim valuable wireless spectrum that the broadcasters have held (for free) for many years, and put it to much better use. This change only impacts those who watch TV over-the-air. That means it has no impact whatsoever on anyone who receives their television via cable or satellite TV (representing the majority of TV viewers out there). Yet, this apparently didn't stop at least one cable company from claiming otherwise.
Consumerist has caught Cablevision telling customers that they need to upgrade to a digital cable box by order of the FCC. This is simply untrue. Cablevision is upgrading many of its channels to digital format from analog, and those channels will no longer be available to customers who don't have a digital cable box. But, that's entirely a business decision made by Cablevision, and has absolutely nothing to do with the the FCC-mandated switch for over-the-air broadcasts. It's just that Cablevision timed this deal to coincide with all the stories about the over-the-air switch, and is using that to make people think that it's the FCC's fault. Cablevision responded to Consumerist admitting that the change has nothing to do with the FCC's mandated change -- but refused to explain why every customer support person Consumerist spoke to gave the FCC as the reason, even after they specifically went to check their training notes. It's a rather sneaky (and likely illegal) move to claim that people need to upgrade due to the FCC when the FCC has nothing to do with it.
Reader Comments (rss)
(Flattened / Threaded)
Is this an issue? by Anonymous Coward on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 10:56am
I'm a cable vision subscriber mainly for the fact that for man years they had a monopoly on Long Island, which was not a big deal because gas and electric are also a monopoly, and so was telephone for awhile.
But the point was that you rent the cable box from cable vision for a small monthly fee and they replace them every couple of years, since a switch to digital cable TV reception (when it works *Cablevision Sucks*) has been flawless. Sure it cost a bit more but Cable Vision no longer has a monopoly so just choose another cable provider.
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Underhanded? yes... but... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 11:12am
I dunno how this company was planning on changing up their channel lineup...
But if they need to lie to get people to rent digital cable boxes, let em do it... For an extra $2 a month you get access to more channels that you have already been "paying" for but couldn't see, anyone who doesn't have a digi-box yet needs to get scammed... Yeah I'm being a jerk, but I think that upgrading to digital cable is more of a benefit to the consumer than it is a rise in profits for the provider, but admittedly I don't know the specific pricing scheme for this company.
My local provider charges $40/mo for the expanded basic (non-digital cable).
And $50/mo for the basic digital cable (one box rental included) and the basic digital package has 60! more channels than the expanded basic non-digital service, plus a bunch of free on-demand content, menu based guide, etc...
Non-digital cable is a jip anyways :P
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I agree that Cablevision is scum but... by Scott G on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 11:19am
The truth is that Cablevision has a different way of transmitting its signal from what Time Warner does in NYC and FIOS does in Long Island. Time Warner requires you to get a box if you want a TV to work. Period. Same with FIOS, and as a result, FIOS just sent us "free" boxes that only display the channels but do not offer on demand/guide content.
We're ex-Cablevision customers for another reason (they're scum) but Cablevision has forever broadcast tv over the cable lines without requiring the use of boxes. I'm not making excuses for them, please don't be fooled, it's their own policy that ended up screwing them in the end. I'm glad.
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Lack of choices by Screwed anyway on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 11:29am
Why is it that we have to be subject to these kinds of dealings? If that happened where I am, it would be moot, as I don't have options for cable providers. I get Time Warner. period. No choice on a cable provider. I'm using Dish, and I hate it, but it was the cheapest I could find, so now I've got an ugly dish drilled into my roof; there just isn't any REAL competition in the TV marketplace.
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Once again, most of you miss the point. by Rose M. Welch on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 11:46am
I don't think anyone is upset that the company is trying to sell thier boxes or make more money. Cablevision is obviously a for-profit company, and they have every right to tell thier customers to upgrade or lose channels.
They're upset that they're lying about it and blaming it on the FCC instead of just saying, 'We're trying to move all customers to our digital boxes. Upgrade or lose channels. Have a nice day.'.
If you follow the link and read the letter, they don't even tell you what the pricing will be. They offer you a free time-period, and say that you'll be charged the 'then-current price' once the period expires. What a crock!
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Re: Is this an issue? by yo ho ho.... on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 11:58am
Yes -- this is an issue.
Perhaps you are out of touch with the majority of America -- but I don't have a choice. And there is still only a single-source provider of cable for almost 85% of the US. Most cities don't have multiple providers either...
... so please, don't start toting Cablevision (or any other cable providers) BS by saying that one can choose another cable provider. That's simply not true. The only option for most of us is to either pay outrageous cable fees from the only provider in town or, sign up for a mediocre dish service, or plop out the old rabbit ears... which won't be an option soon enough.
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Re: Once again, most of you miss the point. by Anonymous Coward on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 12:13pm
It's a sad commentary on our society that so many people are used to a world where lies are such a normal part of the fabric of that society that they just completely miss that point. In fact, many of them probably see absolutely wrong with it. I would be very surprised if Cablevision winds up facing any criminal fraud charges whatsoever over this.(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
prices? by Paul on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 12:31pm
I agree that they appear to be lieing about needing to upgrade to digital cable, but the prices in the consumerist article look like the price for a DVR box ($6.50) and DVR service ($10.95). At least they appear to be close to what time warner charges for each. The actual cost of a basic digital cable box that does not record is quite a bit less I think.
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Charter Isn't Supporting Digital TVs unless you pay... by Rick on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 12:32pm
Charter called me up last month and offered me a free upgrade to a higher tier internet (10MB/1MB) and free Basic cable if I agree to a year contract for $30/mo. I said sure, sounds great as I have Dish but locals are not available in HD, but the cable company has them in HD.
They cam and set everything up for me to get the basic cable, but it wouldn't work. None of my TV's have an analog tuner - I would have to PAY $10/month for an HD box to watch my free Basic cable, which only comes in analog.
There are 4 local networks plus PBS I WAS able to get over rabbit ear antennas on my old analog TV's. Unfortunately I can only get ONE of them in HD over the air - there is a hill between me and the towers for the other 4 channels, so I am S.O.L. and have no choice but to pay for local channels now. In fact there is a huge swath of my town that is unable to get those 4 channels because of a hill between us and the towers 35 miles away.
The FCC may have mandated the switch, but they did not force the stations to provide a signal to everyone that got one before. Digital does not have the range and does not do well with natural obstacles like hills. So starting next year 1/3rd of my town of 15,000 people will only be able to watch one over the air television channel, unless they pay Charter $10/month for a 'box' as they intend to keep their analog signal for their wired customers.
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Re: Is this an issue? by Wake up... you missed the point on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 12:43pm
The point is that in order to squeeze another $10 per month out of you, they made this "sneaky" switch. All big business are trying to find any area where they can change "just a couple more dollars" are are hoping that no one notices.
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One channel vs 100 channels. by DUH on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 1:03pm
Rick, I have 100 channels and still have nothing worth watching. One channel makes it faster since you don't have to flip through 100 on the guide to realize there is nothing but garbage reality shows, old repeat movies, and little else.
I watch sports and the History channel ... I am just stupid and pay a lot for stuff I don't want. A choice of one channel would save me cash.
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Re: Underhanded? yes... but... by Billy Maze on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 1:27pm
Oh boy! You mean for a few dollars more I can get 60 extra channels of "Paid Programming"? What a fantastic value! I bet if I call within the next 10 minutes they will double my order!
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Re: Re: Underhanded? yes... but... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 1:56pm
Actually I have service from a very very small locally owned Cable provider that actually doesn't suck.
The $10 upgrade gets you: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, FSN Midwest, Metro Sports, Versus, Fox News Channel*, CNBC, MSNBC, ABC News Now, CNN Headline News, CNN*, TNT*, USA*, A&E, Tru TV, AMC, TBS*, Bravo, TV Land, History Channel*, Sci-Fi Channel, F/X, Spike TV, Comedy Central, E!, CMT, GAC
The N, MTV2, BET, MTV, VH1, Travel Channel, TLC, Lifetime
Lifetime Movie Network, Oxygen, Food Network*, HGTV, Nicktoons, Noggin, Nickelodeon*, Toon Disney, Disney*, Cartoon Network, KCPT Sprout, Discovery*, ABC Family, National Geographic, Hallmark Channel, Animal Planet, FamilyNet, American Life, Inspiration Network, iLifetv
TBN, EWTN, Blue Highways, Retirement Living, The Weather Channel, ESPN PPV and 48 Digital Music Channels.
Oh and 35 HD channels. *Denotes HD availability at no extra charge.
PWNT!
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Waahh, the cable companie's plausable excuse is really a lie, I'm gonna cry about it... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 2:01pm
OMG this is not a big deal, I guess unless you are an idiot and believe everything your cable company tells you...
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Re: Waahh, the cable companie's plausable excuse is really a lie, I'm gonna cry about it... by Mike on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 2:20pm
You don't think it's a big deal that a company is falsely claiming that it's due to a gov't mandate that you need to upgrade your system?
Yikes.
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Re: Re: Waahh, the cable companie's plausable excuse is really a lie, I'm gonna cry about it... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 2:24pm
Given the context (the type of company we are talking about), if you are gullible enough to believe them, I have no sympathy for you...
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Perp-walk by JD on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 2:39pm
It's time for another Corporate Executive Perp-Walk, this time for false-advertising and fraud.
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Sorry for the trolliness... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 3:09pm
I guess my lack of concern over this issue stems primarily from three things:
1. The cable company could have just said: "We're forcing all of our subscribers to go digital cuz we don't want to have to scan-convert all these soon-to-be digital only feeds for you stingy antiquated bastards".
2. It seems silly to me to cry foul over a cable company miss-representing its reasoning for wanting users to upgrade, then becoming indignant when people think you suffer from legality OCD, when there are MUCH BIGGER fish to fry when it comes to corporate fraud (Haliburton anyone?). Cuz I'm sure this cable company has made BILLIONS since this "ad campaign" went into effect...
3. Whatever happened to personal responsibility? Or specifically in this case being an "informed consumer" if you cable company sends you a letter saying: "Hey you have to change your service with us because (insert reason x here)." You should look into the reason they provided, and don't do anything until you are sure 1) is it an improvement? 2) Is it really required? 3) What are the real costs involved in this? Until you can answer those three questions don't sign anything, don't agree to anything, call them and give them a verbal berating until they can provide you with those answers... If it turns out they are full of $#!7 or they are jacking their prices more than you want to pay, dump their asses and switch to sat-TV.
I understand that the cable company is lying, and yes it is a stupid thing to lie about, but they could have just said "Hey rates are going up ALOT, and you all have to rent these digital boxes now... deal with it". People don't have much of a choice either way.
So now we play the waiting game to see how long it takes someone to sue this company for punitive damages because "they lied to poor-widdle me, they scammed me out of $10, so now I need $10,000 to cover the pain and anguish."
(I am obviously kidding) But WTF with the trigger-finger calls for litigation? Just raise a stink till they apologize and move on...
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Big fat double standard. by Kevin Hulse on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 3:31pm
Why is it that only the individual is expected to be
responsible for himself, his choice and his actions.
Regardless of what illegal or unethical shenaigans
companies try to pull, they are given a free pass just
because "people should be responsible for themselves"?
That's utter nonsense. Corporations should be held
responsible to the same level any indivdual would be
for a lesser degree of fraud.
Nevermind the tort litigation, just plain arrest someone.
Don't like greedy ambulance chasers? Fine, then replace them with ambitious, career minded ADAs. Letting people (real or otherwise) off the hook just isn't the answer.
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Re: I agree that Cablevision is scum but... by RevMike on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 3:34pm
"The truth is that Cablevision has a different way of transmitting its signal from what Time Warner does in NYC and FIOS does in Long Island. Time Warner requires you to get a box if you want a TV to work. Period. Same with FIOS, and as a result, FIOS just sent us "free" boxes that only display the channels but do not offer on demand/guide content."
Actually, FIOS provides an analog signal as well (at least they did a few months ago). I ran several TVs off of FIOS in Long Island and they got "broadcast" service just fine. We only needed boxes for the "cable" services.
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You take the high road, and I'll think you're a chode (sung) by BlowUrmindBowel on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 3:45pm
The funny thing is that the impression I get about all of this is that it was probably just a brain-fart on behalf of this cable company.
Either that or some idiot mid-management guy didn't want to publish any legitimate reasons for price hikes/policy changes, so they just scapegoated the digital changeover.
Either way it was surely a masterful conspiracy, reaping billions for the underhanded cabal; involving no less than the CIA, Haliburton, Al Qaeda and Regan's reanimated evil corpse, oh, and Bigfoot too! ;)
I repeat: BFD?
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BrightHouse (TW) doing the same thing by Nick Burns on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 6:08pm
My wife's grandparents got tricked into upgrading to a digital DVR by the same tactic by BrightHouse Networks here in Orlando. The cable network told them that the FCC was requiring everything to go digital, so they would need a digital box.
Fortunately, they love the DVR (mostly using it to record Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune during dinner).
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Re: Re: Re: Waahh, the cable companie's plausable excuse is really a lie, I'm gonna cry about it... by Anonymous Coward on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 6:40pm
Given the context (the type of company we are talking about), if you are gullible enough to believe them, I have no sympathy for you...
Sounds like a common crook.
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Re: Sorry for the trolliness... by Anonymous Coward on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 6:43pm
And yet, you don't see much wrong with it. I can just imagine what kind of person you are.(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Re: Underhanded? yes... but... by Alex Simmons on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 8:02pm
I would hardly say that people need a digital cable box, or if they don't have one they need to get scammed. I would hate to see what you think of those who don't even own a tv, much less digital cable. What do we get, the death sentence?
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grey area by jeffmd on Apr 21st, 2008 @ 10:33pm
Its actually pretty clear..as long as switching to the digital box dosnt actually cost anything, then a cable provider at this point in time would love to switch everyone over to the more friendly digital format. Especialy when THEY want to pull the analog plug.
However If they pushed the digital cable box and then charged, yea Id prolly say that was illegal in more then one way.
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Illegal? by Anonymous Coward on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 2:11am
Sure, they're lying.
But what law are they breaking? Is it a "deceptive act or practice" within the meaning of 15 U.S.C. 45?
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Clarification needed here. by Twinrova on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 4:24am
"This change only impacts those who watch TV over-the-air. That means it has no impact whatsoever on anyone who receives their television via cable or satellite TV (representing the majority of TV viewers out there)."
Mike, you best get ready to do some follow-up with this because the statement above is not entirely accurate.
There are two types of cable boxes out there: analog and digital. Many analog cable boxes do not support digital signals which means the cable company must convert the signal before being sent out over cable in analog form.
This is where the breakdown occurs, because most cable companies still broadcast in analog. If one is to read the FCC mandate accurately, it means cable companies will need to broadcast in digital.
This means cable companies will need to replace set-top boxes to support the digital signal and have it convert the signal. In fact, we just received notice from our cable company stating all non-HD receivers will be replaced by the end of the year for the "changeover". Coincidentally enough, our cable bill just went up.
I'm sure many other cable companies out there are doing the same thing, including Cablevision (misleading, maybe, but possibly necessary).
Now, if you really want to see a crime of greed, walk into any Best Buy store and start talking about HD. It appears these idiots believe the FCC said all stations have to be in HD, which requires an HDTV, which is definitely not true.
It's the entertainment industry pushing HD, not the FCC. Their only requirement is the signal be digital.
And finally, does any one here even watch TV? Get off of youtube and watch a few of these commercials. Most of them all use "FCC" in its broadcast, pushing further the notion this is the FCC's fault.
Fault? Mandate? You decide.
I've been trying to educate people on this for over a year now and it's not as easy as it seems.
When it comes to technology, sheople are really, really ignorant of it.
(insert blinking 12:00 here)
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cablevisionmustdie.com by cablevisionmustdie on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 8:00am
The reps are trained to say that its the FCC and have to follow the script .You would be suprised at some of the things that you dont know about cablevision .Best bet ask questions take name check your bill and follow up .
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Re: Re: Underhanded? yes... but... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 8:06am
Only on a voluntarily basis. Would you care to be a member of the pilot program? ;)
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Waahh, the cable companie's plausable excuse is really a lie, I'm gonna cry about it... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 8:11am
I'm starting to think that my local cable company is the only cable/braodband/phone provider in the nation that isn't a common crook...
You all need to learn the difference between reality and ideology. Last I checked we were talking about reality.
Ideology at this point would involve thinking about ways of changing this system rather than just lamenting about it:
"It's a sad commentary on our society that so many people are used to a world where lies are such a normal part of the fabric of that society that they just completely miss that point. In fact, many of them probably see absolutely wrong with it. I would be very surprised if Cablevision winds up facing any criminal fraud charges whatsoever over this. "
-Go cry emo kid.
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Re: Underhanded? yes... but... by Bill on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 10:58am
> For an extra $2 a month
Where did you get the idea that it's $2 a month?? It's $7 for the box and remote, and it's $10 a month for their iO Digital service.
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Re: Re: Is this an issue? by Anonymous Coward on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 11:23am
actually it will be a better option soon enough...
Provided you have the appropriate required hardware. ;P
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Re: Re: Underhanded? yes... but... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 11:27am
I was speaking from my own experience with my cable company and only regarding the extra hardware costs. I presume costs are different with everyone's service, how smart of you to not follow that...
basic box $5/mo; Digital Box $7/mo = total increase in rental fees = $2 easy enough for ya?
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Re: Re: Sorry for the trolliness... by BlowURmindBowel on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 11:29am
Hey, I didn't call you a douchbag did I?
That's what I thought douchebag!
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Re: Re: Re: Sorry for the trolliness... by Anonymous Coward on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 4:27pm
Yeah, you pretty much confirmed it.
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Re: Clarification needed here. by Anonymous Coward on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 4:46pm
I think you need to provide something to back that up, otherwise I'm calling bullshit.
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Re: Illegal? by Anonymous Coward on Apr 22nd, 2008 @ 5:00pm
Why do you want to limit you question to 15 U.S.C. 45?(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
They still lie now by Samslembas on Apr 23rd, 2008 @ 7:11pm
I received a letter from Cablevision telling me I need to start renting a box from them or lose several channels. I called them asking wtf, and why the box in my TV would not work (it would not work if they were encrypting the steam). All they would say was "FEB/JAN '09, FCC!". The guy obviously had no clue what he was talking about. I never did get an answer to my question, but I think it is past time to call Verizon.
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Re: Re: Is this an issue? by Anonymous Coward on Apr 24th, 2008 @ 3:43pm
Umm,,,
Of the HD choices currently available, the "ol' Rabbit ears" are pretty much your best choice. ALL of the other HD sources have had enough extra compression added (to reduce their bandwidth & the "providers" to transmit more channels in the same bandwidth) that the images just suck.
If course if you don't live in a major market, you're pretty much boned. I'm lucky I live in Chicago.
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cablevision, 11 removed channels, new fees by not willing to pay more on Apr 29th, 2008 @ 7:06pm
My cablevision has gone from $39 new customer two years ago to $49, then they backed down to $45, now it's $49.95 plus tax for 65 channels. Last year they removed the TCM with the same digital reason, now they are removing ten channels by next month inc. Travel, CSpan2, QVC, and others making 55 channels left. They are giving us one box and a free year in order to receive the 10 channels they are removing. Any TVs over one in your house, the charge is $6.28 per TV for extra boxes. In one year you must buy the Navigational Pkg., now $10.95. Basic cable for me would be $49.95, plus $10.95 for Navigational, plus $20 for three boxes unless one is free, and tax per month, so my bill will go from $49.95 for 65 channels to $63.51 next mo. for the same 65 channels, to between $75 and $81 plus tax per month a year from now for the same 65 channels. Cable in our area is one company, we do not have a choice. I have tried Dish before they were bought by ATT and customer service and the technicians were rude, that may have changed.
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only $7 !! by Anonymous Coward on May 11th, 2008 @ 7:56am
does anyone have a link to information on the costs?
cablevision said i had to have IO ($10/mo) to have HD channels, and i had to get a special cable box from them to decode the channels that is $15/mo, (12-box, 2-remote 1-decoder card)
so i'm having to pay $25/mo extra for hd channels
does anyone know how to get this $7/mo box? that'd save me $18/mo
(the cablevision customer support told me they never heard of it)
i'd really appreciate it if someone was able to get me info on how to save the money
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cablevision sucking me dry! by Chas on May 12th, 2008 @ 11:38pm
It's really ridiculous. I was watching the twilight zone and poof! On comes a blue screen with the words a "digital cable box is now needed to view this channel! would'nt you know as I channel surfed to see which other channels were being jacked,I found them to be most of my favorite channels! Unbelivable! I really wish I had an alternative.I'm truly considering fios but they want to handcuff you with a two year agreement! I feel like a roach trapped in a corner with a pointed shoe approaching!
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Cablevision's Same slime lie by tom vayda on May 15th, 2008 @ 5:47am
I was told this same lie about federal requirement to change cable transmission from analog to digital. Today, next day, I am on the web investigating. I use the only tool I have, paying them as late as possible. If and when Verizon Fios comes, I am gone from Cablevision. They are not reliable, constant internet failures and no monitoring. I would love the Feds to fine them for lying but never will happen.
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UNBELIEVABLE by Greg West Islip on May 15th, 2008 @ 3:33pm
This is an F-ing outrage. These blue screens reading " An IO digital cable box is now required to view this channel" are using the EXACT SAME BANDWIDTH as would broadcasting the original channels. This is extortion, and solely an attempt to try to get the consumer to buy more boxes.
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Dolan has to pay for Newsday somehow. by Jim in Nesconset on May 16th, 2008 @ 1:22pm
This scam is a rate increase, pure and simple. The lie they're telling everyone is laughable.
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by Mike on May 20th, 2008 @ 4:58pm
I woke up today to find 11% of all my channels GONE. Do know what giving less services but charging the same price is? A cowedly attempt at a price hike!
I was livid, and called them up...and they told me the same blatant lie that "it was the individual channel's decision, the individual channel was upgrading to digital, and Cablevision had no choice in the matter." A BLATANT LIE!
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Re: Posts by BlowURmindBowel by The Voice Of Reason on Jun 2nd, 2008 @ 8:26pm
BlowURmindBowel, you are the most arrogant, obnoxious sonofabitch I've encountered in quite some time. What's with the snotty condescension and all the faggy bitchiness and sarcasm with which all of your posts are dripping???
You need to get yourself a hobby or a job, pal, along with a halfway decent personality with which you start relating to people with some semblance of respect, patience and kindness... Otherwise, you'll more than likely have your head handed to you, one of these days...
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no by Bullish on Jun 3rd, 2008 @ 5:37am
Im on Longisland and just found literally EVERY channel i ever watch taken away by this, now, trash company. This is just rediculouse. And to just find out that they lied to give a reasonable excuse for this bullshit makes me sick. Cable vision in my opinion can go fuck themselves. They will no longer be getting my service because i dont like getting lied to or forced to spend more money by the company ive been using since i was a kid to watch the only 2 fuckin channels i ever watch. I will be switching to timewarner or verizon. And one thing to you retard flamers posting here that apprently enjoy being lied to or just dont care because they dont have cablevision so you are supporting it, you can go fuck your cable box because its not a matter of money AT ALL, its a matter of underhanded shit that the company just pulled to give a reasonable excuse for this. And notice they changed over the MOST POPULAR channels to require a box..interesting?
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It's a lie that nothing will change with cable TV by csnet on Jun 6th, 2008 @ 9:25am
No matter what cable provider you have, the days of directly connecting analog devices to the cable will soon be over.
Many who have cable have had a single cable box used ONLY for watching pay, premium and digital content. In our home, most of the time it is tuned to digital music that is distributed around the house while TVs, computer TV cards, DVRs, and old VCRs are connected directly to the cable and receive about 80 analog channels. This allows watching and/or recording multiple channels simultaneously.
Because the cable companies are converting the 80 or so analog channels to digital, this will no longer be the case. In my home, to get the same service we have now, we would require seven additional cable boxes and the added complication of additional remote controls, assuming we could get additional cable boxes each with different remote control codes. It is a going backward having to deal with this.
My blood boils every time I read the hundreds of articles that say, "if you have cable or satellite TV, nothing will change". Liars!!!!!
Finally the real story is coming out, such as this quote from an AP article today
"Dooner also said Comcast expects to move the majority of its analog television channels to digital in most markets by early 2010. The Philadelphia-based company had set a goal of reclaiming analog bandwidth in 20 percent of its markets this year."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080605/ap_on_hi_te/comcast_internet_speeds_4
That means there will no longer be any analog signals in the cable and every analog device will need a cable box to get content. What a pain.
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blocked channels by Anonymous Coward on Jun 17th, 2008 @ 3:04pm
I can not believe cablevision has blocked 9 channels on the family service plan. These channels such as The
learning Channel, A & E can not be viewed without the "IO digital cable box". They have not been moved to IO channel lineup. This is just a nasty way to force customers to pay an extra monthly fee to the outrageous fees.
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Cablevision -- Liar by NoLongerAdmireCablevision on Jun 18th, 2008 @ 4:12pm
Cablevision has not been able to deliver HD channels for few weeks now and also fails to acknowledge this as a widespread and an old problem. Indeed the technicians are fed up with their mgmt. They know the problem exists and the mgmt does not care. The ONLY people who think the system is great are the Cablevision Customer Support folks on Phone and the Cablevision Management. Don't blame Digital conversion, own up and tell the customers and do something about it.
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Cablevision - scam by Luis Wilcox on Jun 23rd, 2008 @ 3:02pm
Watch out for Cableviosn giving you free IO Box and any ethnic channels free. They tell you it is all free when they call you - but the amounts show up in the bills. They promptly admit a mistake when you call to get the charges off - this is all in the hope that you do not notice the charge!
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