Analog cutoff for NJ in June.

rkkeller

I received a letter over the weekend that the analog channels are going to be cut off for me here in NJ in June.

If I want a free adapter, I have until 5/22 to call.

Anyone else, PA people ???

JPL

Some people in PA have started getting the letter. One guy down the road from me got it over a week ago - I've yet to receive it. I think they're trying to reduce call volume and are therefore staging the letters. They are offering free digital adapters (the DCT-700) as a compenation for losing the analog channels. Realize that these are not IP enabled, so you get no guide data or VOD (or widgets) through them. But they will give you access to all of your SD channels (vs. just locals).

I've heard different stories, but apparently they'll offer up to 3 for free - but you have to call the number on the letter (not their normal ordering number or they'll charge you for the boxes). And apparently they're free as long as you remain a customer (no kidding), and are at the same residence. Move and they start charging you for them.

That one guy down the road already got his boxes, and I believe he set one up already. BTW I posted Verizon's analog elimination plan on one of these threads (forget which one), and Philly VHO is set to go analog free on June 2nd. So far Verizon has very much stuck with that schedule - I think they already shut down analogs in 3 or 4 other markets.

MarvKirsch

A question about Analog cutoff, please excuse if somewhat lame....Say that NBC is converted over to Digital. Is the plan to still broadcast the signal over the same channel, let's say 4? When the conversion occurs, how would I know? Forget HD for a moment, would the SD picture of Digital 4 be greatly different than the older Analog feed?

JPL

If you already have a set top box hooked up to that TV then the answer is: it will have absolutely no effect to you at all. Verizon currently carries channels 1 - 49 in both analog and digital. If you hook up via a set top box or DVR, or via a cable card, you get the channels in digital already. If you just hook up the cable to a TV directly, then you get them in analog. After this shut-off, you will no longer be able to just hook up the cable to your TV and get your locals (unless you have a TV with a QAM tuner, that is, in which case you'll still be able to get the digital locals). You will need some kind of converter box.

That's why Verizon is offering the free digital adapters - to allow customers to get what they get today, for the same cost. Actually it's much more beneficial because those digital adapters give you access to all of your SD channels, and not just your locals.

JPL

Oh, and to answer your channel mapping question - yes, the channel numbers will be exactly the same. Channel 4 will still be on channel 4.

rkkeller

I called the number on the flyer just now and asked for 2 of the boxes. www.verizon.com/godigital

I really dont need any but they are free right now and I was told they will charge for them in the future. She said it would arrive UPS in 5-7 days.

JPL

I'm going to get a couple too, when I get the letter. I wasn't going to. Like you I don't really need one. And I felt kinda bad taking one for free, but someone on dslreports convinced me otherwise. One thing he said really hit the nail on the head - that Verizon is basically just using up Motorola's stockpile of these boxes. Since last July, when the FCC required all cable companies to use boxes that take cable cards, many of the boxes that Motorola was making are no longer usable by the likes of Comcast - including the DCT-700. I think they were allowed to use up their own stockpiles, and they weren't required to replace boxes already out there, but they weren't allowed to buy any more boxes that didn't use a cable card.

Verizon was given a waiver for that requirement, so they are one of the very few companies left that actually CAN use these boxes.

I also wouldn't mind having a replacement for the Verizon remote that died on me several months ago (granted I now have a Harmony, but still I'd like the backup). Although, apparently they're not giving the Philips remotes with these guys - they're giving the older remotes, which makes sense since these boxes don't need any of the specialty keys that come with the new remote.

xer0derm

Why not? On the Motorolla website it says that it supports all of that functionality, except maybe the widgets.

Tutsputnik

The digital adapter is as basic as it can get. It only will provide you with the channel number and time. There is no guide, ability for VOD, or pay per view with these boxes.

rkkeller

That is right, the Verizon version does not support hardly anything.

xer0derm

For me that's ok. I have a couple of TV's where I am going to send back my standard STB and keep the free one instead. I only watch VOD on a couple of TV's, the other ones I usually know what I am going to watch and I don't need the guide or VOD.

That stinks though for people who would want those features though.

rkkeller

Update. I have still not received my free boxes and when I called they had no order from me. I had to order again.

I hope they come this time as the analog cut off for me is in 2 weeks.

JPL

Well, these free adapters are only there to replace analog hook-ups for people. You're not losing anything by going from an analog hook-up to one of these adapters. In fact, you're gaining lots of SD channels that you currently can't get with only an analog hook-up. If people want VOD and guide data, then they can get the SD STB.

rkkeller

Another update. Being I had the problem with my order last time I decided to call again last night to check.

AGAIN !!!!!! they claim to have no order from me !!!!

For this THIRD order I asked the woman time and time again are you sure you see this order there ? She assured me it was.

I only have another week or so to get the free offer here in NJ.

rkkeller

FINALLY.............. I received my 2 boxes.

I only hooked up one as a test. It was simple and you can activate them with an automated phone call.

I was displeased right away as the box takes 3-5 seconds to change the channels and only has the time and channel number displayed. I knew that but was hoping it did a little more like channel info or very basic guide.

The remote that comes with it is a full function remote and over 1/2 the buttons dont do anything. I wish it just had a very basic remote doing only what the box can. I keep trying to press the guide and other buttons on instinct as they are there.

My digital to analog over the air converter for the phase out coming in 2009 out in the garage offers way more features even a basic channel guide, zoom, etc... I dont know why this has to be so featureless.