What is BHN's business reason for not having more clear QAM channels?

[bdraw]

Many times on this forum and others, I see people asking about QAM channels and which are free and clear and which require a CableCARD. While I understand the need for CableCARDs I also don't like having a STB or even paying the higher than normal $4/mo fee for a CableCARD. (I have 4 for those counting) There are many TVs today with QAM tuners and many channels that are included with cable that shouldn't require a CableCARD to access.

Why does BHN not offer more clear QAM channels? Channels like DiscoveryHD and others that are not in the "HD" tier? If BHN is so worried about us getting those channels without paying for "Digital" cable couldn't they use a filter the way they do when you only have RoadRunner?

As Cable Companies start to transition to full digital like Comcast in Chacago recently announced, these clear QAM channels are going to become more and more valuable, especially considering the limited number of TVs with QAM tuners, but without CableCARDs and the expense pc CableCARD tuners.

So Greg, any chance BHN will start to offer more clear QAM channels and do you guys currently have a time line to transition everyone to digital?

[gmclaughlin]

First, I don't set this policy, so this is my own opinion. But technically, filters are a very blunt instrument in taking out channels. It's nearly impossible to only take out one analog channel (6 mhz wide) and I don't think anybody has figured out how to take out just one of the streams (digital channels) in a 10 or 12-bundle QAM (also taking 6 mhz). Generally a filter takes out the channel as well as parts of the two adjacent channels. It used to be enough just wipe out everything above, or below, a certain frequency. But we're much more complex in our spectrum usage these days, and it just doesn't work that well anymore.

(What they don't mention in the Ala Carte discussion is that the concept is techically nearly impossible for analog channels without STB's on every TV.)

Secondly, adding or removing a "trap" (filter) involves rolling a truck to the location, and the associated costs involved (>$50). Encryption enables a rep on the phone to turn activate a channel or package of channels remotely, in a manner that's not only more efficient, but because it's nearly immediate, much more customer friendly.

Encryption is really the only way of activating channels according to the level of subscription. I really don't expect that to change.

[bdraw]

Greg,
Thanks for the response, it makes sense now.

But why does BHN (or any cable co) decide to encrypt a channel like Discovery HD when they don't encrypt regular Discovery? Sure they want you to buy digital cable and while I don't mind paying for digital cable (I do mind paying $4/mo for CableCARDs) it would be nice to watch it on any tv with a QAM tuner instead of requiring a CableCARD or STB.