[EAS] Cable TV Problems

[David Ostmo]

Cable TV operators have a wide variety of equipment in use.  Keep in mind that large cable systems have hundreds of thousands of users.  There are still a large number of cable subscribers who are still using analog, cable-ready TVs.  Analog cable viewers don't have a box to upgrade. The analog viewers will not see the forced channel tune. 

Digital cable boxes are deployed in large quantities with numerous firmware versions that can react in different ways.

Many small market cable operators are using really old distribution equipment and can't afford state of the art upgrades due to the limited size customer base.

The current situation creates a major challenges for the cable operators large and small.

I totally agree with Clay.  Cable operators need to be active participants in the LECC and SECC.  All EAS participants must work together in the best interest of the public.

David Ostmo
San Antonio, Texas

"Television is the sincerest form of imitation" - Fred Allen

On 11/27/2011 7:08 PM, Clay Freinwald wrote:

>Answer time -

>Do all the cable TV systems in Washington State have the equipment to carry
>CAP messages like this?

>CF - Cable is another matter with issue of their own, a lot of which is
>based on the type of equipment they purchased and use.    This is one of the
>reasons why Cable needs to be and active participant with SECC's and LECC's.

>Remember that all of this CAP and Text to Speech stuff is - brand new - and
>was never considered when this equipment was purchased.    We are certain to
>have a lag as a result.

>Clay

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