TWC DTV Transition 480p?

[samsung46]

I'm sure I'm just dreaming here but with the transition today, might TWC channels 1-100 go from 480i to 480p like channels 101+ ??  I'm guessing there will be no effect.

[LoadStar]

I'm sure I'm just dreaming here but with the transition today, might TWC channels 1-100 go from 480i to 480p like channels 101+ ??  I'm guessing there will be no effect.

Channels 1-100 are still transmitted in analog format, the same way they always have been... so no, that isn't likely anytime soon.

Even though the network affiliates and independent stations in the area are no longer broadcasting in analog, Time Warner will continue to receive the digital signal they are providing, convert it to analog, and transmit it to the customers.

To go to anything like 480p or higher, it would require channels 1-100 to be converted to digital. Comcast is in fact in the process of converting all their analog stations to digital in many places. Time Warner, on the other hand, saw value in continuing to provide analog service, and instead implemented switched digital video on the digital channels.

[John L]

Give it a few years and then TWC will announce they will be discontinuing analog service in their Basic Package lineup.  Thus, TWC will be providing Cable DTV converter boxes to connect to your analog cable ready TV in order to continue using your analog TV connected to TWC.

-John L.

[oz]

Give it a few years and then TWC will announce they will be discontinuing analog service in their Basic Package lineup.  Thus, TWC will be providing Cable DTV converter boxes to connect to your analog cable ready TV in order to continue using your analog TV connected to TWC.

-John L.

"Providing" makes it sound like TWC will give out their boxes for free.

[ArgMeMatey]

Give it a few years and then TWC will announce they will be discontinuing analog service in their Basic Package lineup.  Thus, TWC will be providing Cable DTV converter boxes to connect to your analog cable ready TV in order to continue using your analog TV connected to TWC.

I agree.  I've been asking TW, franchise authorities and others about how this would affect their BASIC tier.  Nobody seems to have any answers.  

Currently the basic tier officially includes analog 2-25, 96, 98 & 99, and unofficially includes 26, 27, 62-73, as well as QAM 4.1-2, 6.1, 10.1, 12.1, 18.1, 24.1, 36.1-8, and 58.1-3.  I can't remember if 30.1 is on there.  

They can't keep charging $15-20 a month for just the local OTA stations but inevitably analog on cable is going away.  Will they put some stuff on QAM in the clear or require converters for all?  

In other words, which approach will make them more money:  Eliminating most of the theft, or trying to keep the honest cheapskates happy?