Cox vows to keep analog signals around for three years after cutover
We already heard that the FCC was giving broadcasters a bit more flexibility with the 2009 digital TV switchover, and apparently, Cox Communications is taking full advantage of its rights. According to the cable company's own website, it will be keeping analog signals around for three full years after US television stations switch over to digital broadcasts on February 17, 2009. More specifically, the firm states that it "recognizes that some customers will still have analog-only TVs [after the cutover date]," thus it has promised to continue offering "analog broadcast signals for at least three years after the deadline for those customers that have not upgraded all TVs to Cox Digital Cable." And if you were curious, Cox also proclaims that said signal will be "down-converted from its digital format," but doesn't stop to encourage site visitors to, oh we don't know, apply for a coupon and pick up a DTV converter box. Either way, it's this or hand out free STBs.[Image courtesy of ViandsEnterprises, thanks Student Driver]
Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, Cable, OTA
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mark @ Feb 11th 2008 9:36AM
This has nothing to do with the DTV switch... cox, comcast, twc can all keep broadcasting in analog more than 3 years after the switch. the switch only applies to over the air...
Big Wizz @ Feb 11th 2008 9:56AM
I have been wondering if the content providers will continue to do this over "analog" cable.
anyone know how the rules apply here?
lance-o-matic @ Feb 11th 2008 10:12AM
Cable companies can still broadcast in whatever they want, analog, digital. the cable is theirs, they can do with it as they will.
the upcoming cutoff only applies to analog broadcasts over the air (OTA).
This is the first I've heard of a cable company announcing to cutoff their analog signal. Cox pretty much took the opportunity to say "you can subscribe to us and still be fine for 3 years!". when, in reality they're just announcing they're going to screw those people in 3 years.
this is actually a really good thing for most of us, When they stop broadcasting analog, that will open up a HUGE amount of bandwidth for more digital services. more HD, more channels, more on demand, etc.. which, for cox means more $$$
KenC @ Feb 11th 2008 10:36AM
It's also an excuse for Cox to not have to lower Digital Cable costs makes sense but its crap if you ask me. At least thats what a good friend of mine told me who happens to be an install tech.
Patrick @ Feb 11th 2008 12:53PM
"an excuse for Cox to not have to lower Digital Cable costs"
Do people expect the digital to lower? Would the elimination of cheaper analog, if nothing else, potentially induce the lowering of digital costs?
I don't subscribe to TV(only internet), but someone I know who has analog cable TV is concerned that Cox will ditch their analog service(as mentioned above) and only have digital, inducing customers to cancel or upgrade service.
Seth A @ Feb 11th 2008 11:26PM
This makes me angry, this is the perfect time for Cable Companies to say, "Oh, well you have to get a digital box" Three years from now when they have to explain that to consumers, it will be much more difficult. Plus, now Cox consumers, of which I am one, will have to deal with the little amount of HD we have now. So this announcement is basically, we will be behind in all future technologies for 3 years. Pisses me off, when I saw this ad on local TV, omg. They are acting like its a great thing, but anybody who has moved into the future of Digital TV is screwed, and all the people who still have a TV from the 1980's wins. GRRR!
ajwees41 @ Feb 12th 2008 2:51PM
Comcast in a few areas is all digital no analog, so Cox isn't the first