Basic Cable Gets Encrypted
Thoughts and prayers go out to those affected in the Boston Marathon attack. Back from NAB – Lots of announcements dealing with streams and a new show (Kind of). Watch for the Special Media videos on NAB. Of course I am going back to Vegas next week for CAWorld.
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Geek Smack! episode 258 Tech News:
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Netflix Dumps Silverlight?
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Geek Smack: Basic Cable to become encrypted
A couple months ago, the FCC allowed cable companies to encrypt their basic channels. That means if you have a TV directly connected to your cable, you might have to get a cable box to continue to watch TV.
Comcast announced they will be encrypting channels over the upcoming months. It helps them with piracy – someone who actually climbs up on the pole to steal cable. However, for those who actually pay for cable, that means an extra $2-$5 per TV. Since the average household has 4 TVs, that means $6-15 a month to keep a TV in the bedroom, family room and basement.
Cable has also taken over the DVR to bring you added charges if you want to record your favorite shows. You don’t have to use the cable companies choices – companies like Hauppauge and Boxee have cable boxes that can connect to your TV or computer. You still need to get a card that will decrypt your cable signal (Charter rents them for $2).
Is this the catalyst to cut your cable, or will you suck it in to keep shows like Mad Men, Mythbusters, ESPN Sportscenter and more?
Geek Smack! is the official weekly video show and official podcast that distributes every Tuesday. Your host: Jeffrey Powers – talks tech news, IT news and geek news for the week. Geek Smack! is ©2013 under a Creative Commons no-deriv license. Never take candy from strangers. If you would like more information about what is technology, recent news, Geekazine, and Jeffrey Powers, feel free to contact Jeffrey. Jeffrey Powers officially interviews people, just ask!