Consumers need to know that on the current gen of cable cards you won't get VoD, Impulse PPV, VoD PPV or a worthy guide (TV Guide On Screen is a joke compared to any modern guide).
Yes, cable companies increase profits by renting you a box and selling you PPV/VoD services but I don't think they are against cards - its still a way to sell you premium services you couldn't get on your analog service or built-in QAM tuner. Also, there is VERY LITTLE demand for current cable cards, even with the fancy new TiVo. No one is interested and a trip to Circuit City/Best Buy/etc will confirm this.
The FCC will force the cable providers hand and since the FCC has made a date I doubt any provider will be offering new cards until that exact date. Once we are there, lets see what TV/devices come out to support the cards.
I think consumers are better served voicing that the local cable company drop all analog services to open that bandwidth up to more programming. Where I live, there are about 70 channels of analog programming. Each analog channel wastes the same amount of bandwidth needed for at least 2 1080i HD services or 8-12 SD digital services or another 40Mb/s for your DOCSIS modem.
BTW, I have a Pioneer PDP-5060HD & a Sharp Aquos LCD and both have a moto 3412 DVR & cable card in use. The card on the plasma has a superior picture to the moto box (in my eyes). I like the combo because the wife will record 2 shows at once and I can still surf the HD channels on the card. :)
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
You sound like a scorned woman.
Consumers need to know that on the current gen of cable cards you won't get VoD, Impulse PPV, VoD PPV or a worthy guide (TV Guide On Screen is a joke compared to any modern guide).
Yes, cable companies increase profits by renting you a box and selling you PPV/VoD services but I don't think they are against cards - its still a way to sell you premium services you couldn't get on your analog service or built-in QAM tuner. Also, there is VERY LITTLE demand for current cable cards, even with the fancy new TiVo. No one is interested and a trip to Circuit City/Best Buy/etc will confirm this.
The FCC will force the cable providers hand and since the FCC has made a date I doubt any provider will be offering new cards until that exact date. Once we are there, lets see what TV/devices come out to support the cards.
I think consumers are better served voicing that the local cable company drop all analog services to open that bandwidth up to more programming. Where I live, there are about 70 channels of analog programming. Each analog channel wastes the same amount of bandwidth needed for at least 2 1080i HD services or 8-12 SD digital services or another 40Mb/s for your DOCSIS modem.
BTW, I have a Pioneer PDP-5060HD & a Sharp Aquos LCD and both have a moto 3412 DVR & cable card in use. The card on the plasma has a superior picture to the moto box (in my eyes). I like the combo because the wife will record 2 shows at once and I can still surf the HD channels on the card. :)