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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Digital TV switch this Friday
http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzdtv0912856477jun08,0,173455.story
Starting Friday, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop analog broadcasts and switch to digital. To continue receiving their usual programming, viewers not connected to cable, satellite or another pay-TV service will need to acquire a digital tuner.
On Long Island and throughout the metro area, where Cablevision has about 3.1 million customers, about 150,000 subscribe to the Family package, or expanded basic service, in analog - with cables connected directly to TVs. Those customers will not be able to watch those channels without digital equipment. It costs $6.75 a month for each digital set-top box and $5.95 a month for navigation service.
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Posted 6/9/09 9:01 AM  |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by GoldenRod
On Long Island and throughout the metro area, where Cablevision has about 3.1 million customers, about 150,000 subscribe to the Family package, or expanded basic service, in analog - with cables connected directly to TVs. Those customers will not be able to watch those channels without digital equipment. It costs $6.75 a month for each digital set-top box and $5.95 a month for navigation service.
I'll believe it when I see it.
Cablevision, like many other cable companies, can still broadcast an analog signal over their own lines so you can still watch TV without a box. It just has to be digital going to them.
Cablevision hasn't said publically they are going to do this, probably for a few reasons. Main reason because I am sure they want more people to get boxes and pay for them. Also if they don't do this, this will be a technical nightmare for them come Friday. The amount of phone calls that will come into their call center will probably take down their phone grid. 
On Friday if I go to turn my kitchen TV on (that has no cable box), I am sure i'll get a picture. I just don't see this happening.
Now Cablevision still has the right to remove more channels from family and put them only on digital that require a box. But that's another story alltogether. I am betting your locals (2,4,5,7,9,11,13) will still come in just fine.
I could be wrong. We'll see.
Message edited 6/9/2009 9:11:20 AM.
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| Posted 6/9/09 9:10 AM |
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Acerone
I hate ants and ugly people.
Member since 3/07 6437 total posts
Name:
Chris
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by GoldenRod
http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzdtv0912856477jun08,0,173455.story
Starting Friday, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop analog broadcasts and switch to digital. To continue receiving their usual programming, viewers not connected to cable, satellite or another pay-TV service will need to acquire a digital tuner.
On Long Island and throughout the metro area, where Cablevision has about 3.1 million customers, about 150,000 subscribe to the Family package, or expanded basic service, in analog - with cables connected directly to TVs. Those customers will not be able to watch those channels without digital equipment. It costs $6.75 a month for each digital set-top box and $5.95 a month for navigation service.
That's correct... Soon there will be no analog broadcasting...
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| Posted 6/9/09 9:11 AM |
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SingingBowlr
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/07 571 total posts
Name:
John
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Get rid of your rabbit ears!
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| Posted 6/10/09 9:55 AM |
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anonttcer
BOOOO for fall!
Member since 7/06 10082 total posts
Name:
Meaning a NON ttcer!
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Just another way for the DEVIL Cablevision to rape the customers.
NICE!
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| Posted 6/10/09 9:59 AM |
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kerrycec03
Mom of 2 beautiful boys!!
Member since 6/06 13519 total posts
Name:
Kerry
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Ok, I'm in the industry and please ask me questions because some people are missleading you on this post.
1. This is not a cablevision situation, its nationwide and is happening with all cable systems (Comcast, Time Warner, Etc). The "I hate Cablevision" attitude is not justified with this situation. (I don't work for Cablevision). ALL CABLE companies are dealing with the same situation.
2. You will ONLY loose stations IF you are still on analog. If you have cable AND have a digital box, you will be ok.
3. You can get a rebate to get a digital converter box free from the government online
I cannot stand people missleading others with this transition. I work in the TV industry. If you have any concerns or are worried, please FM me.
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| Posted 6/10/09 10:30 AM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by kerrycec03
2. You will ONLY loose stations IF you are still on analog. If you have cable AND have a digital box, you will be ok.
Even if you don't have a cable box (and have Cablevision) you may be OK.
Like I said previously, it is possibly Cablevision can broadcast the analog signal over their own lines. So TVs without a cable box will still work.
It is unclear if Cablevision is going to do this. They obviously aren't going to publically announce it since I am sure they want people to get cable boxes. They may also continue to remove more channels from the the broadcast basic and require a cable box.
I personally think they are going to broadcast the analog over their own lines. If they don't, their call center is going to get flooded with calls for more boxes and people ****** off. They won't be able to handle the volume.
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| Posted 6/10/09 10:35 AM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
The switch to digital is so that emergency teams (police, fire, rescue, etc) have bandwidth to communicate with each other. They realized the shortcoming of not having that bandwidth during 9/11. I am all for giving rescue personnel the tools to let them do their jobs, and rescue people. In this particular case, don't blame Cablevision, or any provider for that matter. If anything, thank them for helping the police, fire, and ambulance departments.....
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| Posted 6/10/09 10:47 AM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
I'm waiting for the uproar that will happen after people that live in remote areas can't get signals - not because they don't have their converter, but because digital signals don't travel as far as analog signals or there is a geographic feature in the way.
Probably won't happen around here, but in the midwest, or other sparsely populated areas...
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| Posted 6/10/09 10:57 AM |
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Acerone
I hate ants and ugly people.
Member since 3/07 6437 total posts
Name:
Chris
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by Blazesyth
I'm waiting for the uproar that will happen after people that live in remote areas can't get signals - not because they don't have their converter, but because digital signals don't travel as far as analog signals or there is a geographic feature in the way.
Probably won't happen around here, but in the midwest, or other sparsely populated areas...
Yes, that's going to hurt a lot of those living in the rural areas. They predict a lot of people are going to either DirecTV or Dish Network.
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| Posted 6/10/09 11:04 AM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by anonttcer
Just another way for the DEVIL Cablevision to rape the customers.
NICE!
I'm no fan of Cablevision, but this has nothing to do with them. Its an FCC thing.
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| Posted 6/10/09 11:57 AM |
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Peainapod
Peanuts are here!
Member since 1/09 13591 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
my grandma has 2 converter boxes that were hooked up to her 2 tvs. my mom went to test it this week for the switch and the volume wasnt working. my grandma nearly lost her S*** about it.
do the remotes need to be programmed? thats the only thing i can think ok. otherwise she has to use 2 separate remotes and shes blind as a bat..so that can tricky.
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| Posted 6/10/09 12:23 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by SweetTooth
Posted by anonttcer
Just another way for the DEVIL Cablevision to rape the customers.
NICE!
I'm no fan of Cablevision, but this has nothing to do with them. Its an FCC thing.
My problem with them (cable/satellite companies in general) is that they are using this time of confusion to reduce their offerings while charging the same prices, and confusing people into thinking that they NEED to buy a cable box in order to get any TV.
If you look at the consumerist.com, they've caught Cablevision reps giving out bad information telling people that if they dont buy Cablevision boxes they will lose their TV totally.
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| Posted 6/10/09 12:30 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by Peainapod
my grandma has 2 converter boxes that were hooked up to her 2 tvs. my mom went to test it this week for the switch and the volume wasnt working. my grandma nearly lost her S*** about it.
do the remotes need to be programmed? thats the only thing i can think ok. otherwise she has to use 2 separate remotes and shes blind as a bat..so that can tricky.
You can probably purchase a universal remote that will control both the TV and the converter box at once. If you get the model numbers, etc you can check the various universal remotes to see if they will work with the devices.
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| Posted 6/10/09 12:37 PM |
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kerrycec03
Mom of 2 beautiful boys!!
Member since 6/06 13519 total posts
Name:
Kerry
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Not true. The below statement:
but because digital signals don't travel as far as analog signals or there is a geographic feature in the way.
Digital signals DO travel greater than analog. Trust me, I sell a lot of remote DMA's and digital allows more viewers further away from analog to gain the signals.
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| Posted 6/10/09 12:47 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by kerrycec03
Digital signals DO travel greater than analog. Trust me, I sell a lot of remote DMA's and digital allows more viewers further away from analog to gain the signals.
Here is a MSN article about some of the transmission issues.
Why does geography and topography play a role in getting a digital TV signal? I thought it was supposed to be "smarter" than analog, and better?
Geography and topography have always played a role in TV reception. The difference is that analog reception degrades gracefully and weak signals can still produce a snowy but viewable picture; digital reception is more of an all-or-nothing proposition, where weak signals can produce a perfect picture up to a point and then the signal goes over the “digital cliff,” where there is no picture at all.
What are those of us who live in rural areas, far from transmission towers and the like, supposed to do? Have the box, and moving the antenna around doesn't help.
Check DTV.gov to determine the channels that should be available at your location and the kind of antenna you may need.
Many rural areas are served by TV translators, which are not yet required to switch to digital service. Some will continue to provide analog service while others are switching to digital. You may wish to check with the TV stations you have been receiving in analog to determine the availability of service via TV translator stations.
There lots of American who live in rural areas. We went and got the converter boxes, or we went and bought digital TVs, but my understanding is we won't get any over-the-air service because we're so far from a major TV market. Why?
Even rural areas will receive digital TV service in most cases. There are some situations where people live in areas that are so remote that they were technically outside the service area of the analog station, but were still able to get some reception, even though the picture may have been poor.
Unless a TV translator is available, they may lose service. However, in truly remote locations only a few analog stations would have been available, and for this reason many of these people are already subscribers to satellite TV service.
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| Posted 6/10/09 1:32 PM |
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anonttcer
BOOOO for fall!
Member since 7/06 10082 total posts
Name:
Meaning a NON ttcer!
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by Blazesyth
Posted by SweetTooth
Posted by anonttcer
Just another way for the DEVIL Cablevision to rape the customers.
NICE!
I'm no fan of Cablevision, but this has nothing to do with them. Its an FCC thing.
My problem with them (cable/satellite companies in general) is that they are using this time of confusion to reduce their offerings while charging the same prices, and confusing people into thinking that they NEED to buy a cable box in order to get any TV.
If you look at the consumerist.com, they've caught Cablevision reps giving out bad information telling people that if they dont buy Cablevision boxes they will lose their TV totally.
Thank you!!!! This is exactly what I meant... I know this digital switch is not Cablevision's doing... but they are taking FULL advantage of it to scare people into spending more money with them.
I can't WAIT for Fios to get to my neighborhood.
I'd pay DOUBLE to have them- just to EFF CABLEVISION.
It's not even the money- it's the principle at this point. They are some of the worst customer service I have ever dealt with too!!!
Message edited 6/10/2009 2:35:01 PM.
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| Posted 6/10/09 2:34 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by anonttcer
Thank you!!!! This is exactly what I meant... I know this digital switch is not Cablevision's doing... but they are taking FULL advantage of it to scare people into spending more money with them.
I can't WAIT for Fios to get to my neighborhood.
I'd pay DOUBLE to have them- just to EFF CABLEVISION.
It's not even the money- it's the principle at this point. They are some of the worst customer service I have ever dealt with too!!!
I don't understand something. You are upset that Cablevision is trying to get more people to get boxes. But with FIOS don't you need a cable box to watch TV anyways? What makes FIOS better in that regard?
So even though Cablevision is moving more channels to cablebox-only... they are still offering plenty of channels that don't require a cable box... as compared to FIOS that requires a box to watch ANY channels.
I hear FIOS customer service is just as bad, if not worse.
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| Posted 6/10/09 2:48 PM |
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anonttcer
BOOOO for fall!
Member since 7/06 10082 total posts
Name:
Meaning a NON ttcer!
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by ave1024
Posted by anonttcer
Thank you!!!! This is exactly what I meant... I know this digital switch is not Cablevision's doing... but they are taking FULL advantage of it to scare people into spending more money with them.
I can't WAIT for Fios to get to my neighborhood.
I'd pay DOUBLE to have them- just to EFF CABLEVISION.
It's not even the money- it's the principle at this point. They are some of the worst customer service I have ever dealt with too!!!
I don't understand something. You are upset that Cablevision is trying to get more people to get boxes. But with FIOS don't you need a cable box to watch TV anyways? What makes FIOS better in that regard?
So even though Cablevision is moving more channels to cablebox-only... they are still offering plenty of channels that don't require a cable box... as compared to FIOS that requires a box to watch ANY channels.
I hear FIOS customer service is just as bad, if not worse.
Just personal issues with Cablevision.
I cannot tell you how many times they have screwed me- when they were the only game in town and I had no choice.
Soon they won't be though- and I'm out after that!
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| Posted 6/10/09 2:50 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by ave1024
But with FIOS don't you need a cable box to watch TV anyways? What makes FIOS better in that regard?
Fios offers a box for 2 or 3 dollars that allows you to get all the channels, but does not give you the guide, pay per view, and other 'advanced' features. Compare that to Cablevision, where you are in for at least 10 bucks?
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| Posted 6/10/09 2:52 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by Blazesyth
Fios offers a box for 2 or 3 dollars that allows you to get all the channels, but does not give you the guide, pay per view, and other 'advanced' features. Compare that to Cablevision, where you are in for at least 10 bucks?
Where do you see $2-3 dollars? I see them offering a standard definition box for $6 dollars. I don't see any cheaper boxes.
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| Posted 6/10/09 3:23 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Posted by ave1024
Where do you see $2-3 dollars? I see them offering a standard definition box for $6 dollars. I don't see any cheaper boxes.
They're not considered recievers. They are called 'Digital Adapters'. I don't see them listed on their site right now, but admittedly I haven't searched very well. When I spoke with their sales team they were 2 or 3 dollars each.
They are discussed in their equipment FAQ section.
What is the advantage of a Digital Adapter?
Even though the cost is slightly less and the box is smaller than our other receiver, you can view Local, Premium and National standard definition channels available on the other receiver (s) in your home. You will also have full channel block parental control and will be able to view the channel numbers and the clock. The digital adapter's smaller size (W 5.5 in., D 6.5 in. and H 1.75 in.) is ideal for locations where space is limited.
Does the Digital Adapter support High Definition Programming and other interactive services?
The Digital Adapter does not support High Definition Programming, Video on Demand (VOD), impulse Pay Per View (PPV) via your remote, the advanced "Mercury" interactive program guide, interactive parental controls and other interactive services such as Home Media DVR and widgets.
Message edited 6/10/2009 3:36:41 PM.
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| Posted 6/10/09 3:34 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
I see it now.
Well you can say FIOS offers a Digital Adapter because they require boxes for all TVs. So this is a low-cost alternative.
If it gets to the point where you can't watch ANY TV on Cablevision without a box, I am sure Cablevision will start doing something similar to compete. Right now they don't need to because they still offer a ton of channels for free over their broadcast basic.
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| Posted 6/10/09 3:46 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Here we go - straight from the horse's mouth
Took me a while to find this. Anyways according to this article, anyone who has Cablevision will not have to do anything come June 12th as long as your TV is plugged in a Cablevision line.
In fact those DTV boxes that the government is handing out coupons for, are useless on the Cablevision network.
Will I be affected by the change?
Cablevision will continue to provide the analog signal of select channels.
Today and throughout the DTV Transition, Cablevision intends to maintain an analog signal of over-the-air broadcast channels and select other channels. As a result, customers who have their cable line connected directly to the back of an analog television, will experience uninterrupted viewing of those channels on that TV.
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| Posted 6/10/09 4:05 PM |
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Laura1
Fun in the Snow!
Member since 11/06 4512 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Digital TV switch this Friday
Fios offers digital adapters for $3.99 per month.....as far as fios customer service being bad or worse than cablevision...thanks...I perform this job 5 days a week and its not that easy. With any company, not just verizon or cablevision you may have a bad experience with a representative...doesnt mean you should generalize a whole company by that
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| Posted 6/10/09 11:19 PM |
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