Just Out Of Interest........

gimpymoo · 09-12-2004, 12:27

I recently pondered the following...

I currently subscribe to both Digital TV and the Broadband service. The BB is in my front room and the TV in the back room. I currently have a seperate STB for both services, with a seperate cable in each room.

In areas where you have internet access via your Digibox, would they just run a single patch cable from my TV box to PC or would they provide a seperate Digibox, just for BB access if there was a significant distance between the two or it was just impractical.

Im asking as im thinking of moving my PC upstairs and if this was to become policy in my area (I know it probably wont happen due to cost implications etc, but lets just say IF) I dont fancy having a cable tagged all round my house/through my ceiling. I allready have NTL access points in all rooms in the house.

Could somebody who allready lives in an area where this is allready implemented please let me know how they do this as im intrigued.

Neil · 09-12-2004, 12:29

Where is this rumour?

orangebird · 09-12-2004, 12:30

Have I missed something? I haven't heard any rumour as such?

Neil · 09-12-2004, 12:32

If anything, I would have thought ntl would be looking to supply SACMs instead of STBs for those people in ex C&W areas who only want BB & no TV.....

Still haven't seen/heard any 'rumours' though.....

orangebird · 09-12-2004, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

If anything, I would have thought ntl would be looking to supply SACMs instead of STBs for those people in ex C&W areas who only want BB & no TV.....

Still haven't seen/heard any 'rumours' though.....

And considering modems are about 20% of the cost of an stb, it would seem a pretty daft move....

**Paul** · 09-12-2004, 12:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by gimpymoo

Having read on the forum a rumour that NTL are planning to ditch the Stand Alone Cable Modems in favour of going through the existing Set Top Box for my TV.... I pondered the following...

Someone is pulling your leg.

I think you will find reality is the other way round - ntl would love to switch everyone to sacm and get rid of all broadband via stb - because it's a real pain to support.

gimpymoo · 09-12-2004, 12:42

Sorry guys, ive edited my post as the "rumour" part was detracting from anybody answering my question.

Anybody able to answer. Im just interested, thats all.

orangebird · 09-12-2004, 12:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by gimpymoo

Sorry guys, ive edited my post as the "rumour" part was detracting from anybody answering my question.

Anybody able to answer. Im just interested, thats all.

Eh?? The answer is, ask nicely and the installer should do what you want them to do.

Back to the rumour bit. You said you heard a rumour. Where from??

[darren] · 17-12-2004, 15:15

I disagree with the comment about ntl would like to replace STBs being used purely for BB with a SACM. I cancelled my DTV (stops on 29th) with ntl and asked if they could provide a SACM as the STB just for my BB was big and rather a waste of equipment. Guess what, NO. They said keep the STB, that's the normal procedure. I did try pushing to get SACM but unless I cancel my existing account and start a new one just for BB (then I get a modem) which would lock me in for 12 months _again_. Oh well the nice expensive (and crap to support - I agree) STB will get shoved behind my PC desk for now.

Since I have to reboot STB every few days anyway to keep my connection I may start lgging support call for every reboot!

ian@huth · 17-12-2004, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by [darren]

I disagree with the comment about ntl would like to replace STBs being used purely for BB with a SACM. I cancelled my DTV (stops on 29th) with ntl and asked if they could provide a SACM as the STB just for my BB was big and rather a waste of equipment. Guess what, NO. They said keep the STB, that's the normal procedure. I did try pushing to get SACM but unless I cancel my existing account and start a new one just for BB (then I get a modem) which would lock me in for 12 months _again_. Oh well the nice expensive (and crap to support - I agree) STB will get shoved behind my PC desk for now.

Since I have to reboot STB every few days anyway to keep my connection I may start lgging support call for every reboot!

What you have to consider is the cost of providing a cable modem, the engineers time to bring it along and install it and the cost of refurbishing the STB. It is probably not very cost effective for them to do. What level of broadband are you on? If you have a Pace box and upped your speed to 1.5Mb (just for a month and then lower it again) you could possibly get a cable modem if you asked. Maybe it would be better to wait until full details of the new increased speeds are released as going to the top tier for a month may enable you to get a cable modem and be put on the higher speed without the ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£25 charge.

BaronVonskidmark · 17-12-2004, 23:47

Darren,
If you talk to ntl customer services/faults and let them know that you are having a problem with your connection dropping, then the only way around this is to install a sacm, This is a known fault with BB through STB, Let me know what type of STB you have.?

[darren] · 19-12-2004, 21:03

I have a Pace 4000 model. Couldn't just post a SAM and let me install? The cable is there as it's on STB .... not just a case of swapping over??? I may be wrong so shoot me down...

BaronVonskidmark · 20-12-2004, 17:32

This is not the case, you will need a tech to come out and have a look at signal level etc, then put an order through the system as account and the likes need to be raised, also a splitter fitted.