[Discuss] Comcast gets rid of the remaining analog channels

[mark at buttery.org (Shirley Márquez Dúlcey)]

On 2/9/2012 2:37 AM, Tom Metro wrote:
>
> In the end it is likely a mix of things already mentioned, like more HD
> channels (clinging to the old model of overpriced channel packages),
> higher Internet speeds, and simply cost savings by getting rid of
> maintenance overhead for their analog plant.

Dropping analog has a lot of justifications, and I think they're 
actually correct to do it. Dropping ClearQAM for basic channels does 
not; it's no more difficult to digitally encode without encryption than 
with it. I suppose it makes their support problem slightly simpler (no 
guiding people through setting up their TV sets) but that's unlikely to 
be a big enough deal to matter.

In Comcast's case it would make their problem with Comcast Business 
customers harder, as they have a possibly significant class of customers 
who currently get no cable boxes at all. Adding basic TV to any Comcast 
Business internet package only costs about $5/month for any business 
that does not provide viewing for the public (ie, not restaurants, bars, 
fitness clubs). That package includes the same channels that they are 
currently offering in ClearQAM - local broadcast, public access, and 
government. They don't mention shopping channels; I wouldn't be 
surprised if those come along for the ride because it would be harder to 
block them than to let them through. Reference: 
http://business.comcast.com/smb/services/tv/privateviewplans