This is a new development, programmers are starting to require their HD channels be scrambled before allowing carriage on cable systems. Example: Turner Networks requires that CNN-HD, TNT-HD, and TBS-HD be scrambled before they can be added to a lineup. Of course this requires a cable system to spend about $40,000 for controllers, scrambling equipment, and spend $400-500 on "advanced" cable boxes or Cablecards systems. Cable systems below 2000 customers can't justify this expense, which means they won't be able to carry these channels, causing them to lose customers to DirecTV and Dish, meaning the complete end to smaller cable operators. 80% of the actual cable systems in the US are small systems. Those who dislike the "cable monopoly" should be thrilled that there will soon be only satellite for television, two providers in lockstep price-wise. Progress.
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.
This is a new development, programmers are starting to require their HD channels be scrambled before allowing carriage on cable systems. Example: Turner Networks requires that CNN-HD, TNT-HD, and TBS-HD be scrambled before they can be added to a lineup. Of course this requires a cable system to spend about $40,000 for controllers, scrambling equipment, and spend $400-500 on "advanced" cable boxes or Cablecards systems. Cable systems below 2000 customers can't justify this expense, which means they won't be able to carry these channels, causing them to lose customers to DirecTV and Dish, meaning the complete end to smaller cable operators. 80% of the actual cable systems in the US are small systems. Those who dislike the "cable monopoly" should be thrilled that there will soon be only satellite for television, two providers in lockstep price-wise. Progress.