RCN is pissing me off.

[jbsegal.livejournal.com]

http://www.rcn.com/boston/digital-cable-tv/digital-extras/high-definition-expanded
says
"Free HD. We mean it.
Find out how easy it is to get free high-definition channels"
and then, when you click through to
http://www.rcn.com/boston/digital-cable-tv/equipment
you find out how easy it is:

---

No matter which converter box you choose, you'll get all the digital channels included in your package, access to Video ON DEMAND, the latest technology, professional installation and free 24/7 technical help. Upgrade to an HD or HD/DVR converter box to watch the HD channels included in your package.

$2.95/moDigital Converter Box
(additional boxes $5.95/mo)
Get all the 100% digital channels included in your package (with Dolby Digital surround sound), our interactive program guide access to new movies and thousands of hours of free programming with Video ON DEMAND and the ability to order Pay-Per-View events.
Digital Cable


$9.95 /moHD Converter Box
(additional boxes $9.95/mo)
Get all the 100% digital channels included in your package (with Dolby Digital surround sound), the interactive program guide, and access to thousands of hours of free programming with Video ON DEMAND. You'll also receive brilliant HD channels and the ability to order HD VOD movies.

---

Now, is it just me, or does this read as perhaps the most blatant example of false advertising/bait and switch /ever/?

So, now I'm wondering:
A) do I call the Somerville PUC?
B) what specials are Comcrap offering now?
Hell...
C) what specials are RCN offering now?

Crossposted from my journal...

Comments

[dphilli1.livejournal.com]

the channels are, in fact, free. However, the equipment needed to view them is not.

Comcrap takes a different tack -- you pay for both the box and the programming.

[jbsegal.livejournal.com]

I'd argue that they're (RCN) already charging you for the channels, even if you can't watch them.

More importantly, I'd argue that a difference that makes no difference is no difference at all.

[intuition-ist.livejournal.com]

correct me if i'm wrong -- only some (older) TVs need the converter box? and if you already have a DVR, you don't need one?

[smammy]

RCN encrypts their digital channels. You need their box even if your TV has a QAM-capable digital tuner.

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Like smammy said, this is entirely separate from the over-the-air digital signals. The cable companies merely took advantage of the general confusion over digital conversion to fleece their customers, most of whom don't realize that, excepting the opportunism, one had nothing to do with the other. :/

[dphilli1.livejournal.com]

agreed

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

this is the most extreme example of hyperbole i've ever read.

[i-leonardo.livejournal.com]

*snicker*

[jbsegal.livejournal.com]

Me, or them?

[leko.livejournal.com]

Or their cable card, which is like $2.99/mo, and does provide you with HD stuff without an extra charge. So to the original poster, HD programming is free, but that doesn't mean they don't charge different rental fees for different equipment that has different costs for them. Note also that they charge you more for a DVR cable box than normal one.

Some cable companies specifically charge you to give you access to certain HD stuff, even if you already have the SD versions, and regardless of your equipment.

Google Fiber.. !!

[soupystew.livejournal.com]

If we don't get Google fiber he we need to start our own community based muni fiber network http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipal_broadband

I am talking Hulu, Boxee, and tons more. It is all going to be on the Internet soon anyway...

I also bought an antenna at costco... I catch about 22 great stations and most of them play Hi-def content...

I can't wait to quit cable tv and the phone and donate at least 15% of my savings to PBS and NPR.... The world will be a better place.

Re: Google Fiber.. !!

[busylilbear.livejournal.com]

what do you do for internet, since you're not going through rcn or comcast for cable? I'm moving out there in 2 weeks and trying to find the best bang for my buck!

also, what antenna did you buy/are you happy with it?