Discussion:
U-verse
(too old to reply)
Metspitzer
2014-01-18 22:03:10 UTC
Permalink
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes. I also don't like having a box. Some of
them are very large.

How does Uverse work? Do you need a set top box? Is it HD? When
you switch channels, is it instant?

Would you chose Uverse over Charter for TV? How about Internet?
meagain
2014-01-18 22:57:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by Metspitzer
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes. I also don't like having a box. Some of
them are very large.
How does Uverse work? Do you need a set top box? Is it HD? When
you switch channels, is it instant?
Would you chose Uverse over Charter for TV? How about Internet?
Comcast gave "free" boxes - free for the first 2 yrs! then they charge 2$/mo.
John McWilliams
2014-01-19 16:47:59 UTC
Permalink
Post by meagain
Post by Metspitzer
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes. I also don't like having a box. Some of
them are very large.
How does Uverse work? Do you need a set top box? Is it HD? When
you switch channels, is it instant?
Would you chose Uverse over Charter for TV? How about Internet?
Comcast gave "free" boxes - free for the first 2 yrs! then they charge 2$/mo.
But they're SD, no? At least that's what I got in the Bay Area.
So I ditched it completely and am happy with OTA in that house.
meagain
2014-01-20 00:01:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by John McWilliams
Post by meagain
Post by Metspitzer
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes. I also don't like having a box. Some of
them are very large.
How does Uverse work? Do you need a set top box? Is it HD? When
you switch channels, is it instant?
Would you chose Uverse over Charter for TV? How about Internet?
Comcast gave "free" boxes - free for the first 2 yrs! then they charge 2$/mo.
But they're SD, no? At least that's what I got in the Bay Area.
So I ditched it completely and am happy with OTA in that house.
DTA are SD; uDTA are HD capable. Glad you are happy!
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2014-01-19 07:01:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by Metspitzer
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes.
Huh?

Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs.
Post by Metspitzer
I also don't like having a box. Some of
them are very large.
I get that.

UVerse absolutely needs a box for every TV.

Me, I wouldn't do business with AT&T if it were the last provider on
earth.

My cable company, when it went all digital three years ago, took
specific steps to make the standard cable customer see as little change
as possible. They kept the 75 or so standard channels available in the
clear, just like they were with analog, but this time in digital.

All you need, as a standard cable customer, in order to have the good
old fashioned "cable from the wall jack straight into the TV and all I
need is my TV remote" experience, is a TV with a digital tuner.

You say Charter is going away from that; do you have another provider
available? I have two standard coax providers in my backyard, plus
U-Verse; that's three wired providers. And of course there's satellite.

If you don't have any other coax providers in your area, it looks like
you're stuck with a cable box on every TV. You could always just switch
to over-the-air TV.

The least objectionable path I've found is a whole house DVR setup.
I've rolled my own with Windows Media Center, but Tivo's current
solution looks good as well. Once in place, it works well. The whole
point is, if you have to have a set-top box for every TV, the TV that's
available to you at least ought to be what you want to watch when you
want to watch it--and that means a holding tank of recorded TV.

I'm sure Charter has a whole-house DVR setup available as well, and
while I would never pay the monthly rental fees for that, it's probably
not horrible. Not great, but not horrible.
Andrew Rossmann
2014-01-19 13:40:02 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
My cable company, when it went all digital three years ago, took
specific steps to make the standard cable customer see as little change
as possible. They kept the 75 or so standard channels available in the
clear, just like they were with analog, but this time in digital.
Don't exepect the unencrypted digital (ClearQAM) to remain long, even
for Limited Basic. Comcast is going to 100% encryption, and most
everybody else is already there or will be soon. You can thank the FCC
for allowing it after the cable companies scammed them by saying it will
save money by not having to send techs to connect/disconnect people.
--
If there is a no_junk in my address, please REMOVE it before replying!
All junk mail senders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the
law!!
http://home.comcast.net/~andyross
UCLAN
2014-01-19 20:34:26 UTC
Permalink
Post by Andrew Rossmann
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
My cable company, when it went all digital three years ago, took
specific steps to make the standard cable customer see as little change
as possible. They kept the 75 or so standard channels available in the
clear, just like they were with analog, but this time in digital.
Don't exepect the unencrypted digital (ClearQAM) to remain long, even
for Limited Basic. Comcast is going to 100% encryption, and most
everybody else is already there or will be soon.
Cox has announced that it has no plans to abandon its analog tier in the
next few years, much less encrypt its ClearQAM offerings.
Ron
2014-01-22 00:31:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Metspitzer
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes.
Huh?
Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs.
Not the remotes from the cable company that only control the power and
volume of the TV.

Or how about one of these?

http://www.amazon.com/RCA-RCU404R-Four-Device-Universal-Control/dp/B000060OEO
UCLAN
2014-01-22 05:38:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Metspitzer
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes.
Huh?
Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs.
Not the remotes from the cable company that only control the power and volume of
the TV.
Gee, the remote from Cox Cable for my DVR switches the inputs on my Sony HDTV
just fine, thank you. Model URC8820. It also switches the inputs for my AVR.
My 5-device universal remote also switches the TV inputs.
Ron
2014-01-22 06:56:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by UCLAN
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Metspitzer
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes.
Huh?
Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs.
Not the remotes from the cable company that only control the power and volume of
the TV.
Gee, the remote from Cox Cable for my DVR switches the inputs on my Sony HDTV
just fine, thank you. Model URC8820. It also switches the inputs for my AVR.
My 5-device universal remote also switches the TV inputs.
Yes, the remote for my *DVR* has a source/video function, but I'm
talking the remotes that come with those small digital adapters.

The remote that comes with the Comcast digital adapters will change the
channel on the digital adapter, turn the TV on and off, and will adjust
the volume.

Just got a letter from Bright House (my cable company) last week that
says all TVs will now require a digital adapter unless you already have
a cable box or DVR. I'm still using 2 analog TVs so I guess I will see
what kind of remote they come with. Most likely the same as Comcast.
UCLAN
2014-01-22 19:39:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by UCLAN
Gee, the remote from Cox Cable for my DVR switches the inputs on my Sony HDTV
just fine, thank you. Model URC8820. It also switches the inputs for my AVR.
My 5-device universal remote also switches the TV inputs.
Yes, the remote for my *DVR* has a source/video function, but I'm talking the
remotes that come with those small digital adapters.
Heh, heh. OK. Yeah, the remote for an old A/V switch I have won't control
the TV inputs, either! ;)

But this sub-thread came from the remark that *universal* remotes don't
switch HDMI inputs. What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Ron
2014-01-22 19:48:34 UTC
Permalink
Post by UCLAN
Post by UCLAN
Gee, the remote from Cox Cable for my DVR switches the inputs on my Sony HDTV
just fine, thank you. Model URC8820. It also switches the inputs for my AVR.
My 5-device universal remote also switches the TV inputs.
Yes, the remote for my *DVR* has a source/video function, but I'm talking the
remotes that come with those small digital adapters.
Heh, heh. OK. Yeah, the remote for an old A/V switch I have won't control
the TV inputs, either! ;)
But this sub-thread came from the remark that *universal* remotes don't
switch HDMI inputs. What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Really?

"I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes."

"Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs."
meagain
2014-01-22 21:59:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
Post by UCLAN
Gee, the remote from Cox Cable for my DVR switches the inputs on my Sony HDTV
just fine, thank you. Model URC8820. It also switches the inputs for my AVR.
My 5-device universal remote also switches the TV inputs.
Yes, the remote for my *DVR* has a source/video function, but I'm talking the
remotes that come with those small digital adapters.
Heh, heh. OK. Yeah, the remote for an old A/V switch I have won't control
the TV inputs, either! ;)
But this sub-thread came from the remark that *universal* remotes don't
switch HDMI inputs. What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Really?
"I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes."
"Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs."
The "box" comes with a remote that makes the box change stations, and you can teach
it how to power on/off the TV. And it knows that the TV controls the volume.
Ron
2014-01-22 22:34:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by meagain
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
Post by UCLAN
Gee, the remote from Cox Cable for my DVR switches the inputs on my
Sony
HDTV
just fine, thank you. Model URC8820. It also switches the inputs
for my
AVR.
My 5-device universal remote also switches the TV inputs.
Yes, the remote for my *DVR* has a source/video function, but I'm talking the
remotes that come with those small digital adapters.
Heh, heh. OK. Yeah, the remote for an old A/V switch I have won't control
the TV inputs, either! ;)
But this sub-thread came from the remark that *universal* remotes don't
switch HDMI inputs. What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Really?
"I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes."
"Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs."
The "box" comes with a remote that makes the box change stations, and
you can teach it how to power on/off the TV. And it knows that the TV
controls the volume.
I already said that.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2014-01-23 01:00:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
But this sub-thread came from the remark that *universal* remotes don't
switch HDMI inputs. What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Really?
"I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes."
"Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs."
Right.

Initial assertion: "I know a universal remote will change stations, but
it doesn't switch the HDMI choices."

Public response to that assertion: "Every universal remote I've ever
had, has a "input" button that will switch TV inputs."

So, responding to your "Really?": Yes. Really.
Ron
2014-01-23 03:59:46 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
But this sub-thread came from the remark that *universal* remotes don't
switch HDMI inputs. What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Really?
"I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes."
"Every universal remote I've ever had, has a "input" button that will
switch TV inputs."
Right.
Initial assertion: "I know a universal remote will change stations, but
it doesn't switch the HDMI choices."
Public response to that assertion: "Every universal remote I've ever
had, has a "input" button that will switch TV inputs."
So, responding to your "Really?": Yes. Really.
And you started the post with "Huh?"...like every universal will change
the input/source.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2014-01-23 11:03:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Initial assertion: "I know a universal remote will change stations, but
it doesn't switch the HDMI choices."
Public response to that assertion: "Every universal remote I've ever
had, has a "input" button that will switch TV inputs."
So, responding to your "Really?": Yes. Really.
And you started the post with "Huh?"...like every universal will change
the input/source.
...which it will.
Ron
2014-01-23 11:30:57 UTC
Permalink
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Ron
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Initial assertion: "I know a universal remote will change stations, but
it doesn't switch the HDMI choices."
Public response to that assertion: "Every universal remote I've ever
had, has a "input" button that will switch TV inputs."
So, responding to your "Really?": Yes. Really.
And you started the post with "Huh?"...like every universal will change
the input/source.
...which it will.
No they will NOT. The ones that come with those digital adapters will
NOT switch the input. Those cheap RCA universal remotes (which I linked
to) that can be had for about $5.00 will NOT change the input. I
currently own one of those cheap RCA remotes that I use on an old 20"
Panasonic TV and it won't even bring up the TV's menu, much less change
the input.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2014-01-24 11:40:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Post by Elmo P. Shagnasty
Post by Ron
And you started the post with "Huh?"...like every universal will change
the input/source.
...which it will.
No they will NOT. The ones that come with those digital adapters will
NOT switch the input.
But since those are not universal remotes, my assertion stands.

UCLAN
2014-01-23 05:51:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
Post by UCLAN
Gee, the remote from Cox Cable for my DVR switches the inputs on my Sony HDTV
just fine, thank you. Model URC8820. It also switches the inputs for my AVR.
My 5-device universal remote also switches the TV inputs.
Yes, the remote for my *DVR* has a source/video function, but I'm talking the
remotes that come with those small digital adapters.
Heh, heh. OK. Yeah, the remote for an old A/V switch I have won't control
the TV inputs, either! ;)
But this sub-thread came from the remark that *universal* remotes don't
switch HDMI inputs. What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Really?
"I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes."
Same question: What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Ron
2014-01-23 11:22:10 UTC
Permalink
Post by UCLAN
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
Post by UCLAN
Gee, the remote from Cox Cable for my DVR switches the inputs on my
Sony
HDTV
just fine, thank you. Model URC8820. It also switches the inputs
for my
AVR.
My 5-device universal remote also switches the TV inputs.
Yes, the remote for my *DVR* has a source/video function, but I'm talking the
remotes that come with those small digital adapters.
Heh, heh. OK. Yeah, the remote for an old A/V switch I have won't control
the TV inputs, either! ;)
But this sub-thread came from the remark that *universal* remotes don't
switch HDMI inputs. What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Really?
"I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes."
Same question: What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Let me spell it our for you. The OP's cable company is now requiring a
digital adapter for his TVs. The remote that comes with those adapters
is a universal remote. As pointed out by myself and meagain they will
ONLY control the TV's volume, power, and the digital adapter. It's not a
FULLY functional universal remote, but it IS a universal remote.

For fucks sake. You would argue with a crowbar.
Patty Winter
2014-01-23 17:14:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
Same question: What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Let me spell it our for you. The OP's cable company is now requiring a
digital adapter for his TVs. The remote that comes with those adapters
is a universal remote.
Um, no, it isn't. If you think it's a "universal" remote, please tell
us how a Comcast DTA remote can be programmed to control a U-verse DVR
or a Magnavox HDD/DVD.

Those little remotes for DTAs can be programmed to control on/off and
volume on various brands of TVs, but that's the extent of their program-
mability. Nothing "universal" about them.


Patty
Ron
2014-01-23 17:27:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by Patty Winter
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
Same question: What do remotes for "small digital adapters" have to
do with *universal* remotes?
Let me spell it our for you. The OP's cable company is now requiring a
digital adapter for his TVs. The remote that comes with those adapters
is a universal remote.
Um, no, it isn't. If you think it's a "universal" remote, please tell
us how a Comcast DTA remote can be programmed to control a U-verse DVR
or a Magnavox HDD/DVD.
Those little remotes for DTAs can be programmed to control on/off and
volume on various brands of TVs, but that's the extent of their program-
mability. Nothing "universal" about them.
What does page 4 call the remote?

http://www.nmsu.edu/~housing/CableTV.pdf
UCLAN
2014-01-23 18:19:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Post by Patty Winter
Post by Ron
Let me spell it our for you. The OP's cable company is now requiring a
digital adapter for his TVs. The remote that comes with those adapters
is a universal remote.
Um, no, it isn't. If you think it's a "universal" remote, please tell
us how a Comcast DTA remote can be programmed to control a U-verse DVR
or a Magnavox HDD/DVD.
Those little remotes for DTAs can be programmed to control on/off and
volume on various brands of TVs, but that's the extent of their program-
mability. Nothing "universal" about them.
What does page 4 call the remote?
http://www.nmsu.edu/~housing/CableTV.pdf
Heh. I've got a jacket that was described as an "all weather" jacket. Yup, as
long as that weather didn't include a light sprinkle and/or 15-20 MPH breeze.

Thanks for the chuckle.
Gene E. Bloch
2014-01-23 18:31:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by UCLAN
Post by Ron
Post by Patty Winter
Post by Ron
Let me spell it our for you. The OP's cable company is now
requiring a
digital adapter for his TVs. The remote that comes with those adapters
is a universal remote.
Um, no, it isn't. If you think it's a "universal" remote, please tell
us how a Comcast DTA remote can be programmed to control a U-verse DVR
or a Magnavox HDD/DVD.
Those little remotes for DTAs can be programmed to control on/off and
volume on various brands of TVs, but that's the extent of their program-
mability. Nothing "universal" about them.
What does page 4 call the remote?
http://www.nmsu.edu/~housing/CableTV.pdf
Heh. I've got a jacket that was described as an "all weather" jacket. Yup, as
long as that weather didn't include a light sprinkle and/or 15-20 MPH breeze.
Thanks for the chuckle.
But could the jacket change input sources? That's the real question
here :-)
--
Gene E. Bloch (Stumbling Bloch)
Ron
2014-01-23 19:02:26 UTC
Permalink
Post by UCLAN
Post by Ron
Post by Patty Winter
Post by Ron
Let me spell it our for you. The OP's cable company is now requiring a
digital adapter for his TVs. The remote that comes with those adapters
is a universal remote.
Um, no, it isn't. If you think it's a "universal" remote, please tell
us how a Comcast DTA remote can be programmed to control a U-verse DVR
or a Magnavox HDD/DVD.
Those little remotes for DTAs can be programmed to control on/off and
volume on various brands of TVs, but that's the extent of their program-
mability. Nothing "universal" about them.
What does page 4 call the remote?
http://www.nmsu.edu/~housing/CableTV.pdf
Heh. I've got a jacket that was described as an "all weather" jacket. Yup, as
long as that weather didn't include a light sprinkle and/or 15-20 MPH breeze.
Thanks for the chuckle.
Does Comcast call it a universal remote, yes or no?
Charlie Hoffpauir
2014-01-23 23:30:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Post by UCLAN
Post by Ron
Post by Patty Winter
Post by Ron
Let me spell it our for you. The OP's cable company is now requiring a
digital adapter for his TVs. The remote that comes with those adapters
is a universal remote.
Um, no, it isn't. If you think it's a "universal" remote, please tell
us how a Comcast DTA remote can be programmed to control a U-verse DVR
or a Magnavox HDD/DVD.
Those little remotes for DTAs can be programmed to control on/off and
volume on various brands of TVs, but that's the extent of their program-
mability. Nothing "universal" about them.
What does page 4 call the remote?
http://www.nmsu.edu/~housing/CableTV.pdf
Heh. I've got a jacket that was described as an "all weather" jacket. Yup, as
long as that weather didn't include a light sprinkle and/or 15-20 MPH breeze.
Thanks for the chuckle.
Does Comcast call it a universal remote, yes or no?
Does it really matter what Crapcast calls it? It's clearly not
"universal"; you've proven that multiple times with your comments that
it won't switch inputs.

This reminds me when they started labeling "everything" HiFi, no
matter how crappy a sound it had.
Elmo P. Shagnasty
2014-01-24 11:39:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ron
Does Comcast call it a universal remote, yes or no?
Comcast can call it whatever they want.

Comcast also claims that their service has the highest value of any of
your choices.

Sales and marketing types say a lot of things. Is it your assertion
that (a) all of them are completely and 100% true, and (b) we must act
on those assertions?
UCLAN
2014-01-23 18:07:28 UTC
Permalink
Let me spell it our for you. The OP's cable company is now requiring a digital
adapter for his TVs. The remote that comes with those adapters is a universal
remote. As pointed out by myself and meagain they will ONLY control the TV's
volume, power, and the digital adapter. It's not a FULLY functional universal
remote, but it IS a universal remote.
For fucks sake. You would argue with a crowbar.
I think I am.

The statement to which I disagreed was that "*universal* remotes don't switch
HDMI inputs" not that the remote that came with his adapter doesn't switch
HDMI inputs. The vast majority of universal remotes WILL switch HDMI inputs.

His original statement: " I know *a* universal remote will change stations, but
it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still have to have two remotes.

Wrong. One universal remote with an "input" button will do the trick.
whosbest54
2014-01-19 16:34:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Metspitzer
I was told by a Charter install guy that Charter will soon require a
box for every TV set. I don't watch much TV and I really do dislike
having to have two remotes for TV. I know a universal remote will
change stations, but it doesn't switch the HDMI choices so I still
have to have two remotes. I also don't like having a box. Some of
them are very large.
I hear you. As another poster pointed out, the cable systems are moving
away from clear QAM, an option that would give you what you want for at
least the locals in HD with a digital TV tuner. The result is a box on
every set. The cable cos. could setup a converter at the head of your
in house distro that decrytped there and sent out clear QAM and analog
for the stations, but no, they don't care about the customer, and it
appears the vast majority of customers seem to have resigned themselves
to cable boxes as the norm.
Post by Metspitzer
How does Uverse work? Do you need a set top box? Is it HD? When
you switch channels, is it instant?
Uverse is fiber to a box in the neighborhood and then phone line copper
pair from there to the home, using the existing phone system wiring,
which can be very old in some location and won't always support the
bandwidth. HD costs extra and you need a box for each set. Channel
changing isn't instant. I've tried it and found the HD to be too
compressed.

I have Dish now. The HD is a little less compressed the value is better
than cable or Uverse. At least a Dish basic install will feed a second
tuner to sets over an analog channel in SD, requiring only their remote.
But if you want HD on all sets or their DVR, you need a box on each
set. Their Hopper system has received good reviews. Of course, they
are subject to rain fade and if snow/ice builds up on the dish it can
cause a total loss of signal until the dish is cleaned, which may be
hard if the dish is on your roof.
Post by Metspitzer
Would you chose Uverse over Charter for TV? How about Internet?
Both Uverse and Charter have their advantages and disadvantages.
Perhaps Charter will keep clear QAM in your system for a time longer
than the tech said. I've found Charter installers to be completely
ignorant of clear QAM and have bad info on system plans and say you can
only get any HD with their box. What morons.

For internet, I've tried both and again each has advantages and
disadvantages. Uverse is a bit more expensive for the comparable
bandwidth, if you can get full cable bandwidth, which depends how many
users share the cable system in your neighborhood. Uverse is solid
bandwidth you don't share, provided the copper wiring from their fiber
box is good to your house.

One could order Uverse TV and internet as a bundle and get free
installation and a possible $200 cash card, drop the TV after a month
and keep the internet, assuming you get a deal with no contract
commitment.

whosbest54
--
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Elmo P. Shagnasty
2014-01-19 18:30:18 UTC
Permalink
In article
Post by whosbest54
The cable cos. could setup a converter at the head of your
in house distro that decrytped there and sent out clear QAM and analog
for the stations, but no, they don't care about the customer
You're right.

So you tackle the issue yourself, and do it yourself with Windows Media
Center, MythTV, or Tivo.
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