New Contributor
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7 Messages
The Mini Box Blues...
When Cox announced that they were going digital and now required a mini box for any tv that didn't have any type of receiver on it, they forgot to include a lot of important information. With the cable attached only to my tv, I was receiving 70+ channels, with the mini box, I get maybe 25 (none of which I watch). When I called to find out why, they said I needed to upgrade my service, so I upgraded to Advanced TV and got an HD receiver for my living room set but was told I could still use the mini box on my bedroom set and would get more channels. But I'm still only getting 25 channels on it and already did the channel scan. When I contacted them again, they said it doesn't matter what package I have, it won't get anymore channels then I have now and will need to go get an advanced receiver. So before I go wait in line for another hour or two, please tell me what channels I should be getting with the mini box (I saw that Hallmark channel should be included but it's not).
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ChrisL
Former Moderator
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7.1K Messages
The mini-boxes are designed for TVs that were previously getting analog channels direct to set without any equipment attached. That being the case the mini-boxes will work with the TV Starter and TV Essential packages. One exception to this however is those customers that are subscribed to TV Economy as how it is a 1 TV only service. Becauses not all of the TV Essential channels are included with the TV Economy service the mini-boxes will only work with TV Starter in these situations. More info on channels and package requirements can be found by visiting http://www.cox.com/channels
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Don318
New Contributor
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106 Messages
@ChrisL
If I were Gigiboo76, I would jump out of my skin if this happened to me and if I understand what you are saying is correct. He was told by updating to Advance TV would make his MINI box receive all the channels he lost from direct wall connection and after updating he was told it wouldn't help! "Duh"!!!
If I understand you, Advance doesn't include Essential service needed for mini-box to work as present (no box). Since I have Advance service for contour 6 on two TV's. When I get a mini-box for minimal service on a third TV, does that mean if I want to see everything on that TV that I can now. I have to call Cox, switch from Advance service to Essential service and when I go to one of other TV's I have to call Cox again to switch back to Advance service for Contour 6 boxes?
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ColleenD
Moderator
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1.7K Messages
Let me see if I can explain. Advance TV does include Essential channels, however Advance TV isn't required to have only mini boxes. The mini box can tune Starter and Essential channels. Once your area's transition is complete you should actually see more channels, as the mini box will tune more HD channels than direct to set does.
No changes will need to be made to your level of service to tune the channels you currently can tune direct to set.
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Tecknowhelp
Valued Contributor II
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2.8K Messages
Well this just happened.
"A jury decides to punish Cox Communications for tying premium cable services with the rental of expensive boxes"
I asked once on another thread why mini boxes can't get premium channels. If they are able to communicate with Cox's CMTS enough to tell if the customer has Starter/Essential or Economy,. and decrypt accordingly, why could it not do the same thing for premiums. I understand the program is designed to replace CATV, but in a way it is also parallel with cable card pricing. Why can't the same abilities be offered?
I have to be honest and say it does seem like Cox is choosing not to allow them in order to coerce more customers to upgrade to digital receivers and the increase in to Advanced TV service required for them. I don't mean this to be confrontational, but I believe it should be discussed.
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Domino
Valued Contributor III
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2.8K Messages
What if Cox just goes all-digital and doesn't offer the mini-box?
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Don318
New Contributor
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106 Messages
@ColleenD
Thanks for clear explanation to my situation.
But not sure I still understand what happened to original poster Gigiboo76
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Gigiboo76
New Contributor
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7 Messages
All I know is, I upgraded my service in the belief that if I did, I would receive more channels that I actually watch on my mini box. I now pay TWICE what I was paying and still get only about 25 channels on the mini box. So I either have to turn it in and get a different receiver for my bedroom or just have tv in the living room and use that tv for DVDs.
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Tecknowhelp
Valued Contributor II
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2.8K Messages
What if Cox gets rid of digital receivers and switches to just DVR's? Anything is possible. The question is how will it, and how should it effect customer retention.
Also, the FCC has a say in the matter;
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