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FCC To Allow Cable Companies To Encrypt Over-the-Air Channels

Posted by samzenpus on from the no-free-ride dept.

alen writes "The FCC is now allowing cable companies to encrypt free OTA channels that they also rebroadcast over their networks. 'The days of plugging a TV into the wall and getting cable are coming to an end. After a lengthy review process, the FCC has granted cable operators permission to encrypt their most basic cable programming.' Soon the only way to receive free OTA channels via your cable company will involve renting yet another box or buying something like Boxee."

2 of 376 comments (clear)

  1. Do Not Want by halfEvilTech · · Score: 5, Insightful

    well there goes my HTPC build. For those that like to build their own media centers, dvr's, etc this is utter crap. Of course I can spend $200 to get a tuner card that will accept a M-type cable card but then that is yet another piece of equipment that I have to rent from said cable company.

    who wants to bet said FCC people have coushy jobs lined up at some major cable company.

  2. Re:My guess by h4rr4r · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You can digitize without encrypting. That is what clear QAM is for.

    What this is really about is that they won't have to roll a truck for a cable install. Heck, they can fire all the techs too, or at least most of them. They will leave all the cables live all the time and make you come get a box to do the decryption. When you leave you give the box back, or if you don't pay they deauthorize it on their end.