I would like your help understanding something because I am not from the states

[G+_Jason Perry]

I would like your help understanding something because I am not from the states.

 

The recent FCC ruling stating cable companies couldn't make you use their cable box and a consumer should be free to get their own confuses me. I was under the impression all you had to do is get a cable card and you were free to use your own hardware? What does this ruling gain for the end consumer?

 

Things are very different in Canada, or at least the province I am from, there isn't even the option of a cable card, and the biggest provider on my area is phasing out digital to analog converters.!

[G+_Akira Yamanita]

The main differences are that CableCARD rental would not be required (functionality could be built in to the box via hardware or software) and full services would have to be supported. Currently, features such as video on demand, the channel guide, and service ordering (pay per view) are not supported when using third party boxes with CableCARD. Some companies, like Verizon FiOS, charge unreasonable S&H fees ($25) just to send the card to you.

[G+_Ben Reese]

It's a bit confusing to me to, but I haven't really followed it much. I haven't had cable TV in probably a year though. When Time Warner switched their basic cable plan from analog to all digital and were requiring a tuner box for each TV, I canceled.

 

Sorry you're so limited in Canada. It's really probably not that much better here for cable TV service.

[G+_Jason Perry]

Thanks for the explination guys.

I realize the tech is different, but does anyone know if this ruling applies to satalite providers?

 

I can see Microsoft and Sony building this functionality into a future revision of their gaming consoles.