Satellite : Grant Request for HD Cable Devices

[evd]

On Monday, the American Cable Association threw its support behind a recent request made by Cable One for a waiver to deploy integrated HD-capable all-digital devices (HD ADDs) in its Dyersburg, Tenn., cable system.

Cable One's request, filed at the Federal Communications Commission in October, would enable subscribers to utilize low-cost integrated set-top boxes that can provide HD programming. Matt Polka, ACA president and CEO, praised the MSO's move, saying the fastest and cheapest way to provide consumers in small and rural markets with more HD programming is for operators in these areas to go all-digital.

"Unfortunately, for many of ACA's members, the digital set-top boxes that are required under existing rules are just too expensive to deploy," said Polka. "The use of HD ADDs gives cable operators a cost-effective way to transition to an all-digital network. Cable One's Dyersburg system faces this challenge, and we urge the commission to grant the waiver it needs to best serve Cable One's customers."

If approved, this waiver would enable Cable One to complete the transition of its Dyersburg area cable system to an all-digital platform within a year. The move would allow Cable One to supply its Dyersburg customers with a low-cost HD ADD, which would be offered at no charge.

Also, by reclaiming bandwidth, Cable One customers would have access to more HD programming choices and more affordable HD content, ACA said.

[deerpoacher02]

Good read evd