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

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."

4 of 376 comments (clear)

  1. CableCard, to the rescue! by jeffmeden · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Wait, 99% of TVs sold today don't bother supporting it... Shit!

  2. Re:Do Not Want by Lumpy · · Score: 4, Interesting

    NO you are just using the wrong recorder....

    eztv.it, set up the RSS feed and your torrent catcher.

    Screw the cable companies and dish companies. Best $12.95 a month I spend is for a VPN outside the USA to get all the TV shows I want to record off of my DishTV.

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  3. Re:Do Not Want by spire3661 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    47 miles out from the transmitter and i get every major network on an attic mounted $60 antenna. CBS signal looks a bit weak on the meter, but ive never had a drop out yet, and im recording their entire weekday primetime lineup(stress test, dont judge me). Im recording using a Windows 7 VM on ESXi. About once a week I run the batch of Recorded TV through a Quick Sync conversion and throw it on my web accessible NAS.

    --
    Good-bye
  4. Re:Sports and political talk by EdIII · · Score: 4, Interesting

    These are kids he was talking about. Political talk shows are out.

    As for sports, that is the only real thing holding back a lot of guys I know from switching.

    That being said, Cable Companies keep raising the costs year after year above and beyond what people are receiving in cost-of-living raises . ESPN, especially. They can go fuck themselves.

    Young people are cutting the cords faster than ever, and in the case of kids, never accepting the cord in the first place. That's why the Cable Companies will die.

    1) No incentive to younger people to shell out $50-$60 per month (base rate). It's hard enough for younger people to find money in the first place, let alone spend it on stupid shit. It's basically a cell phone plan, or Internet plan in terms of cost. What does it deliver that is as attractive, or more attractive, to younger people than Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu or pirating ?

    2) Pricing themselves so high that older people are increasingly looking to save costs by switching to something else. Guys that need to have sports are really just buying it for sports then. That's not an audience that will keep revenue streams at the levels they are now, which means sports would need to increase their revenue streams even more.