Plug:
I'm a Comcast analog subscriber. I get channels 2 thru 25 essentially. A month or two ago, I noticed that channel 11 went off the air. I recently called to have them fix it. I thought it was some kind of glitch. It wasn't. Channel 11, I was told, was now only broadcast digitally. I was told that KBYU had decided to drop the analog broadcast and only broadcast in digital and if I wanted KBYU I would have to upgrade my service with them. I said, "This sounds unbelievable, KBYU is a public service station, why would they cut off their analog service. I know there are homes in my neighborhood just use regular old fashioned TV and still get KBYU." No I was wrong, I was told. It wasn't Comcast's fault. The fault was solely that of KBYU for deciding to switch to digital and not provide any analog service. So I contacted KBYU and asked about this issue. Here is their response: <quote> Dear Merrill, One of BYU Broadcasting’s top priorities this year has been to make all content available in High Definition. We are proud to announce that on Aug. 2, KBYU Eleven joined BYUtv in being broadcast in HD on Comcast Cable in Utah. From now on, Eleven will be available in HD on Comcast channel 646 as well through free over-the-air broadcast. Eleven will also continue to be available in standard definition on Comcast channel 11 to digital cable subscribers. However, Comcast has recently chosen to convert channel 11 from an analog and digital service to a digital only service. While we are pleased to have KBYU available in HD to those watching us through Comcast Cable, we share our viewer’s disappointment that Comcast has discontinued offering KBYU, channel 11, as part of its analog service. Subscribers to Comcast’s analog service in Utah who wish to continue watching KBYU Eleven have several options - converting to a Comcast digital subscription, watching KBYU over-the-air, or selecting another cable or satellite provider. Viewers should be aware that current Federal Communications Commission regulations do not require cable providers to offer an analog service beyond February 2012. Digital technology offers viewers many new choices and services, but we recognize it has also presented some challenges. We encourage viewers who subscribe to a cable or satellite service to speak directly with their provider regarding their questions and concerns </quote> Comcast lied to me. I'm thinking of getting rid of them entirely, I use them for cable and internet. Suggestions for alternate providers? Thanks BTW: I'd also like to see a news story about this. Merrill /* PLUG: http://plug.org, #utah on irc.freenode.net Unsubscribe: http://plug.org/mailman/options/plug Don't fear the penguin. */
