It would appear that Time Warner Cable, the local cable monopolist here in Raleigh, NC, is doing its best to drive users to its cash-cow High Definition DVR service.
As a loyal Windows Media Center Edition user, I've long awaited the upcoming release of Windows Vista for the native Cable Card support that's been promised.
Sadly, I learned today that TWC has essentially crippled the Cable Cards in this area by using switched channel technology, the end result of which is the inability to receive the digital versions of basic cable channels. Additionly, the early Tivo crowds are indicating that Universal HD is also unavailble, and TWCNC plans to add all new HD channels in a manner unavailable to Cable Card users. And we're talking about ESPN2HD here, not LifetimeHD. Is this sort of thing even allowed under the Cable Card regulations?
Can I still use a Cable Card to watch MNF on ESPN-HD? Yes, and that will be a great day. Can I watch the digital version of Monk on USA? No, that's restricted to the poor people using the TWC-supplied DVR.
I realize that it's a step in the right direction to have CC support, but the problem is the digital versions of these channels are so vastly superior to the analog counterparts, that you essentially lose these channels (at least on a wildly oversized HDTV, which is what I have, of course). At best, you're forced to pay our good friends at Time Warner for both the Cable Card(s) and the DVR, with all the associated hassle of switching between the two.
If you appreciate the Cable Card concept at all, I suggest you call 1-866-4TWC-NOW and voice your opinion on this matter. Tell them you want the digital versions of these channels, and remind them what an attractive package DirectTV puts together. Finally, go to this thread on the Tivo Community Forum and offer this gentleman any support or insight that you can.
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