Rogers Cable..how do I love thee...NOT

[BowmanvilleJim]

Analogue switch off now February 17th 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a switch off date for analogue transmissions of February 17th 2009 as part of the budget reconciliation bill, which included the DTV Transition Act, on February 17th, 2009.
The vote of 212 for and 206 against set the hard date for cessation of analog transmission and allocated $1.5 billion to assist the owners of the estimated 73 million television sets used for over-the-air viewing with the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box.
Source: Broadcastengineering (http://broadcastengineering.com/newsletters/news_tech/20051222/House-of-Representatives-DTV-)

So it would seem that in 2 years time analog will be gone. Let's see if we can figure out how Rogers will use this to screw us. They currently charge a fee for digital cable so in 2 years when that's all they offer they will still charge us the digital access fee. Just the same as Bell charges you a fee for touch tone service even though you can't get any other service from them.

As more and more stations start to offer an HD version of their broadcast I'm sure Rogers will find a way to screw us with that.

Speaking of HD, Scientific Atlantic has a model of their HDPVR unit that allows multi room access. Why is it that Rogers doesn't offer this unit as an option? Could it be that they want you to rent a PVR for each tv in your house?

http://www.sciatl.com/products/consumers/new_explorer8300HDMR.htm (http://www.sciatl.com/products/consumers/new_explorer8300HDMR.htm)

[nearace]

Analogue switch off now February 17th 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a switch off date for analogue transmissions of February 17th 2009 as part of the budget reconciliation bill, which included the DTV Transition Act, on February 17th, 2009.
The vote of 212 for and 206 against set the hard date for cessation of analog transmission and allocated $1.5 billion to assist the owners of the estimated 73 million television sets used for over-the-air viewing with the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box.
Source: Broadcastengineering (http://broadcastengineering.com/newsletters/news_tech/20051222/House-of-Representatives-DTV-)

So it would seem that in 2 years time analog will be gone. Let's see if we can figure out how Rogers will use this to screw us. They currently charge a fee for digital cable so in 2 years when that's all they offer they will still charge us the digital access fee. Just the same as Bell charges you a fee for touch tone service even though you can't get any other service from them.

As more and more stations start to offer an HD version of their broadcast I'm sure Rogers will find a way to screw us with that.

Speaking of HD, Scientific Atlantic has a model of their HDPVR unit that allows multi room access. Why is it that Rogers doesn't offer this unit as an option? Could it be that they want you to rent a PVR for each tv in your house?

http://www.sciatl.com/products/consumers/new_explorer8300HDMR.htm (http://www.sciatl.com/products/consumers/new_explorer8300HDMR.htm)did you know you can still get rotary dial if you get a party line?they still exist.

[BowmanvilleJim]

Well I don't want a party line. The real issue for me is that a company like Bell began charging a premium fee for touch tone because there was a cost involved in new technology to allow the touch tone service. That technology cost was long ago recouped. Today it's simply an easy way for them to charge you more while keeping the perception that your residential line is actually fairly cheap.

Rogers is doing the same thing with digital service.

[wayland]

Exactly my thoughts. To charge a premium price for a service should mean that there is an alternative to choose from.

Jim, can't you simply buy that Scientific Atlantic cable box and use it? You don't *have* to buy the box from Rogers do you?

[akrus]

Take a look at cellular providers, if you want to see the masters on nickel-and-dime tactics.

I'm so fed up with having to deal with Rogers/Bell/Telus - I for one would be glad to see the end of cell phones.

I only wish that law writers had to pay their own damn cell bills, then they'd probably put look at the industry a bit closer. The way it is though, I doubt they even have any clue as to what their bill comes to.

[nearace]

Well I don't want a party line. The real issue for me is that a company like Bell began charging a premium fee for touch tone because there was a cost involved in new technology to allow the touch tone service. That technology cost was long ago recouped. Today it's simply an easy way for them to charge you more while keeping the perception that your residential line is actually fairly cheap.

Rogers is doing the same thing with digital service.just keeping you informed as there is other options dont hate the player hate the game.ps my us line is 10 dollars more a month than here and free calling area real small in florida.

[BowmanvilleJim]

You can buy the digital cable box for Rogers from Future Shop and Best Buy. In case you didn't know Future Shop and Best Buy are actually the same company.

[Flog]

You can still buy rotary phones, if you look hard enough, and then you can have touch tone removed from your bill. But like nearace said, don't hate the player, hate the game. Until gov't steps up to the plate and stops big business from pulling this kind of stunt, then why wouldn't they do it? They make tons of money from this kind of bill fragmentation. Look at your gas bill, they put a delivery charge on there too. My local mechanic started charging a $100 diagnostic fee. Hydro still charges for debt retirement, and it wasn't even our fault, it was thier fault for poor business management. Having said all that, I'm totally on your side. I hate all the little charges that add up to an unreasonable bill for sometimes questionable service.

[Big Shooter]

ultimately CORPORATIONS = SCREW the little guy, that's why so many 'little guys' HATE corporations, and venture off on their own...nuthin' new!

As for Rogers specifically, YES, they certainly do partake in this behaviour, and I'm certain their 'overall customer satisfaction' is down-there with Car Dealership Service & Tow Truck Drivers! (hopefully not alot of those on TGN!??) ;)

[Dan Twomey]

Don't forget car insurance companies. If you get a ticket for forgetting your insurance slip at home they treat it the same as a speeding ticket. Up go your rates!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regards,
Dan :mad:

[Bellyhungry]

I have Rogers coming in this weekend to fix the 'weak signal' I have been experiencing.

I might have something to report on next week....

[caddishack]

get an aerial!

[dekker]

You switched to cable. Now you're being screwed with consent.:rofl:

[flaghunter]

It is an entertainment luxury that i think is reasonable. $50 a month for TV. They do have to maintain the network/system. There are installers, service techs, maint techs, engineers, construction, permints, lic fees, and so on. They network is built from fibre and coax cable that they need to extend and replace constantly. The price of copper and oil has sky rocketed so material costs have shot up. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to maintain such a network. Once Bell gets there act together and releases IPTV, you may see a price war for your TV service.

If you bundle your services(wireless, INET, TV and home phone) you can save a few bucks a month.

Oh ya...and get ready...there will most likey come a day where everyone's beloved Leaf game will be pay per view for each game...except for CBC - until they lose the contract

If $50 a month is too much..get an antenna and enjoy.