[ale] OT: Comcast and digital TV

[Geoffrey]

Okay, so I'm just plain sick and tired of Comcasts monopolistic 
attitude.  As we move to the digital TV cut over date I've been told a 
couple of things that they don't tell you in their slick TV commercials.

1. Fact: Although they say you don't need to do anything if you 
currently have analog cable service, you will lose channels as some 
stations decide unilaterally to stop sending an analog signal.  This has 
already happened to me with the History channel and the TV guide channel.

2. Fact or Fiction??? If you want to go digital, you MUST rent digital 
converter boxes from Comcast.  The first one is free, $6 per box after 
that.  You can not buy them anywhere.  I don't quite understand this.  I 
do have one digital/analog TV in my house and I do currently pick up a 
smattering of channels when I go to the digital tuner.

Anyone help me out on #2?  I've only got 3 people in my home, but for 
convenience, I've got 7 tv receivers (two computers, 5 TVs).  I'm not 
about to increase my already inflated monthly bill by 65% to simply 
retain those lost channels.

I'm seriously considering digital antennas or satellite.

Suggestions, comments???

-- 
Until later, Geoffrey

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
  - Benjamin Franklin