Channels and Programming

[Al-Peters]

I am extremely disturbed by the loss of Turner Classic Movies from my Comcast TV Offerings.  Comcast unilaterally decided to take this channel out of the DIGITAL STARTUP package, making it necessary for anyone wishing to continue viewing TCM to "upgrade" to DIGITAL PREFERRED or higher.  TCM was the last great "old movie" channel available to lower-end cable subscribers, and its removal has got me seriously thinking about seeking services from some other provider.

Comcast could have simply absorbed any additional expense from TCM, rather than break faith with clients such as myself who have come to expect better.

I am extremely disappointed in Comcast's "price creeps" and reshuffling of channel lineups.  I would love to hear from other customers who feel the same. 

Any explanation or reaction, Comcast?  IT would be nice if you had the decency to respond to this note and leave it on the board for others to see, rather than simply remove it.

[rog286713]

Here are just two of the threads of complaints, search the board you will find many more.   Comcast wants you to upgrade to get that channel. 

http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Channels-and-Programming/Taking-away-Turner-Classic-Movies-C-mon-Comcas...

http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Channels-and-Programming/TCM-not-available/m-p/1280687#M20883

[aztec21]

I went to turn on my local digital stations this morning and could not receive them; when I tried A&E, Turner Classic Movies, etc., same thing.  I called Comcast and was told I would  have to install their Digital Transport Adapter to receive the digital programs I lost due to the change over. (You get three adapters for free, but have to pay a monthly fee [forever untill you die] for each additional adapter, even though I paid Comcast extra monies to install one other connection and did not have to pay extra to watch them.) 

I went to the Comcast office and received the three adapters, (I'm not paying extra for my other tv connections which were free!) installed them, telephoned Comcast to activate them and 6 hours later have yet to receive my local channels, 2, 5, fox, pbs, TCM, A&E etc.  I am receiving 8 stations none of which I watch only one (local channel 7).

I called Comcast 5 hours ago and was told they were having trouble in my area and I would be receiving all my channels soon.  I finally got tried and disconnected the cable line from the adapter and put in directly into the TV as before.  Still can not get digital but at least I am able to see my local programs.

I will wait till tomorrow and see if they have fixed the problem.  If not, I will return the adapters and cancel Comcast. And if it does work and I am still unable to access TCM, A&E, etc., I will cancel. 

I will just put in a high end antenna and get Hard Definition/Digital Stations and not have to pay Comcast for local channels which you get for free anyway, plus I'll be able to receive THis TV Movie channel which is free.

[edpeters]

Indeed, TCM is being moved from Digital Starter to Digital Preferred (along with CMT) all over the country.  I have not heard of any movement of A&E off of Digital Preferred.  It could be that the activation didn't take on one of the adapters, you could try activating it online?

[aztec21]

I have already called three times to correct problem and customer service says it is corrected or there is trouble with comcast in our area.  I never had this problem with the old system.  Comcast should go back to the system customers had before they changed the format with these adapters.  I am totally disgusted with Comcast.  If TCM is no longer available and I can not even get my local stations I am canceling Comcast and  with put a high end antenne and have more programs and, free movies with THis TV, and not have to pay cable or any other company.

I can hook up my computer and antenna to receive a whole lot more programs.

Comcast is going to have to come up with a better service without these adapters or they will be losing most of there customers.

[TehGrrls]

It's already worse here. TCM is in the extra Sports package. So I already have the higher digital plus super special tier plus HBO and Showtime... but if I want TCM I have to add some sports package. 

[edpeters]

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TehGrrls wrote:

It's already worse here. TCM is in the extra Sports package. So I already have the higher digital plus super special tier plus HBO and Showtime... but if I want TCM I have to add some sports package. 

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That makes absolutely no sense at all (or perfect sense for Comcast?)!

[commanguy]

TCM becomes part of the Entertainment end of the Sports and Entertainment package.

It makes sense to someone somewhere.

[positive2]

I, too, am upset with Comcast for moving TCM to the preferred list.  There are many times when I cannot sleep, will turn on the tv only to go through the lineup on economy and find either the news, Married With Children or an abundance of informercials (which also includes the shopping channels).

I am always checking out other forms of viewing, including putting the antenna up.  But every time I get to this point, I change my mind, because then our internet will increase in price, we have to go and buy and antenna, or I have to sign a 2 year contract.  

How did we get this way?  Has tv become so infectious we feel we cannot live without it or at least with less. Remember the old saying, "more is better, less is best".  Some day I will disconnect and enjoy living again.

Oh by the way, many of those sleepness nights will be spent reading a book and soon falling back to sleep. 

[edpeters]

You have two pretty good solutions:  Read a book and put up an antenna..

[Donal_52]

I just moved from West Coast, where TCM is not in higher tier and in HD; with Comcast, I cannot find it in my tv lineup.  I'm so disappointed.