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Channels Missing? Cable plugged into TV, No Box

Maybe someone can help me out. We have a 19" Samsung tv in the kitchen with the coax cable plugged directly in, no converter box. The channels seem to be scattered all over, such as 2-234 or something as opposed to 2, 4, 5, 7, 25, etc. I can live with that. However, a couple of days ago several channels we use to get have gone missing. We use to be able to type 25-1 and get the local FOX station, 2-1 for PBS, etc. Now those channels don't even show up. Many channels now just say they are scrambled or have no signal.

I ran the autotune feature on the TV to clear out bad channels. I have the main stations like NBC, ABC, CBS, but still cannot find FOX or PBS. Cartoons save us sometimes with the kids!!

We are a little west of Boston. Does anyone know how the channels are suppose to be setup without a converter? Has there been any recent changes with FIOS that would have made these stations disappear? The stations were here one day and gone the next.

Any insight would be great. We miss the news and cartoons. Also, if someone is familiar with this TV, maybe there is something I can do on that end. 19" Samsung HDTV, 4000 series.

Thanks.

Comments

johnmcgann

There are reports on various other boards (dslreports, etc.) that verizon has begun to encrypt local channels, as recently allowed by FCC mandate. Many of these reports originate from users in VH06 (MA.) If it is the case, stand by for many other complaints. It's possible they are "testing the water" to see how many complaints result from one area. The following link gives them authorization to do so.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/15/3506030/fcc-allows-basic-cable-encryption-protects-consumers-open-access

JoeyMac1

Thanks. You might be right. I was on chat help and was told that I require a converter box to watch basic programing. They would not tell me if the channels I am missing have been encrypted, they just kept saying I need a box for every television. I didn't need that box 3-4 days ago for the channels I was watching.

I asked to be transferred to Billing since the link you provided suggests that the FCC requires a free box for some period of time. I was told they do not offer free equipment. I mentioned the article and was told the only time free boxes were offered was when the switch to digital broadcast occured. I pretty much got 1 word or single line answers from the Billing rep. I would suggest if Lynette shows up on your chat, you immediately request a transfer to someone else. Really not interested in helping.

I'll try calling when I'm not stuck at work. Might be time to investigate Apple TV and other internet options. I already pay too much for cable, now it's only getting worse.

Hubrisnxs

do you pay for or have tv service in general with fios?

Can I get local channels straight from the coax?

JustGotFiOS

My QAM tuners can pick up a small set of channels plus some sports channels, but overall the number is rather dismal and strictly limited to what I could get over the air. TWC in comparison has the channels from 1 through 70 in analog on its cable and that means even uncle Jo's old TV set still works.

I am not asking for analog channels to be provided, but more than just a handful of QAM channels would be OK. I wouldn't mind getting an SD box, but for the little viewing that I use the non-boxed sets (PCs with tuner card) for paying the monthly rent is not worth it. If we could buy the boxes I'd be more interested.

Alternatively, provide Internet based streaming of the subscribed channels beyond just a few selected shows. In that case TWC is way ahead of Verizon FiOS. And yes, I did post this in the idea exchange already. If that would help go and vote for it.

PJL

@JustGotFiOS wrote:
...the number is rather dismal and strictly limited to what I could get over the air.

That's because Verizon is not required to provide you with anything but those in an unencrypted manner, thur requiring an STB (or at least cable card) rental to get all others. And that may change based on a recent FCC ruling that allows cable companies to encrypt ALL channels. Don't shoot the messenger here, it's just the way it is.

JustGotFiOS

No, no, not shooting the messenger. I just think it sucks, that's all. It is a government backed ploy to suck more money from customers, nothing more and nothing less. I leave it at that, it won't add anything towards fixing the issue.

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