I use all of Cox's Services except for my HDTV needs.I am a former VOOM subsciber, and in 2004, HDTV via cable lagged significantly behind in the choice of channels. Today, Cable offers more HD channels, but satellite competition in the near future may leave HD cable in the dust. Echostar absorbed VOOM and offers the most HD channels. Direct TV just launched two new satellites that are HD capable. Both promise more National and Local HD channels, thanks in part to a conversion to MPEG 4.
Cable acts as if it has a bandwidth problem. I think Cox San Diego is currently at about 806 mhz. I know COX has been shifting channel assignments around. This is thought to be a strategy to expand HD channels at a lower frequency because of the limitations of bandwidth of cable, until FTTH becomes available. There is also a problem with legacy equipment in the field. Many homes and apartments have splitters, distribution amps, and obsolete RG-59 that was designed for lower frequencies. So in reality, cable does have bandwidth limitations. You can have cable internet, cable telephone, music channels, analog channels, and more. But the allocation is critical. Many feel that HD is the part being "squeezed". There may be a limit to what RG-6 will handle, and many feel COX is at that point, and why significantly more HD channels are not in the near future without FTTH.
How will COX respond to the new satellite expansion? More compression, lower bit rates and loss of PQ? Expansion of HD channels in a reallocation of frequencies? FTTH?
Satellite will soon have locals, high bit rates, and lots of HD selection. Will cable fall behind?
Inquiring HD minds want to know. Thanks.

Dear Stan,

Thanks for your feedback and insightful comments. Below are our responses to your questions.

How will COX respond to the new satellite expansion? Cox Communications has both a current and long term strategy for increased High Definition (HD) content. Our goal is to provide not just an increase in HD channels but to also provide the HD channels that our customers wish to view; the most popular networks that provide the most HD content. In some of our service areas we offer access to 16 channels of HD for no additional charge if service requirements are met. More compression, lower bit rates and loss of PQ? Expansion of HD channels in a reallocation of frequencies? FTTH? Sorry that we cannot be more specific at this time in terms of technology; what we can share with you is that we are testing various types of technology that will permit Cox to optimize bandwidth while also providing the best available picture quality and audio to all of our video customers (Not just the HD customers). We are working with our vendors in a collaborative partnership to test both existing technology and to design new technology(s). Also, we have adjusted compression rates in some of our service areas because of improved technology which allows us to manage our bandwidth more effectively and efficiently.
Satellite will soon have locals, high bit rates, and lots of HD selection. Will cable fall behind? No. Cable will not fall behind; in fact we look to be the leader for voice, video and data services. Currently we provide a reliable and affordable phone product, a superior High Speed Internet Product, and hundreds of choices with our video product. We will continue to add services such as On Demand, HD channels, and interactive services like Digital Video Recorders (DVR) which maximizes the entertainment, communication, information, and recreational experiences for our customers. We strongly believe that we can provide more choice and more value with a true local community connection to the areas which we service. That is something that you cannot get from satellite.
Inquiring HD minds want to know. Thanks. Thank you for taking the time to write us, we sincerely appreciate it.