Muscatine

I thought that when June 12 came and went and we still had a picture on our TV because we have cable, I thought that was that and that now we have 'digital' and we all live happily ever after. Not so fast kemo sabe, now we have to get this 'box' that we can have until January for 'free' and then in January we have to start paying $4 per box. The box allows you to have 'select' and music. When I asked if I could just keep what I have now - basic and expanded basic - they replied that after January 1 if you don't have this new 'box' then you will only get 'basic', which consists of 25 channels. 'Select' is 86 channels and includes the 25 channels in 'basic'.

Do other cable companies do this or only MP&W?

Do you see why I am curious?

Here is my understanding of this!  All entities had to go to digital in July.  Therefore, you need a digital box  (unless, you have a "newer" digital TV).  Because MP&W is still transmitting in analog and digital (until the end of this year), yo need nothing more than your cable hook up.  After the 1st of the year, MP&W will no longer be transmitting in analog, and therefore, you will need a digital converter box (if your present television isn't digital).  The surrounding cable companies have not given this option to their customers, therefore, they have to have a digital converter box now!  That is the story that I have been told.  Shackman. 

switched to direct tv and now its cheaper than mpw. I get phone internet and cable cheaper than mpw cable and internet. then at the end of the year it will be the same as mpw but I also get phone.

Well, I bought a new TV a couple of months ago and when I checked, they said I STILL need the box. When I asked why, he told me that every TV that receives anything other than basic will need either a box or a cable card.

So, I'm switching to dish...I can get every channel I get now except 2 for $14.99/mo for 6 months and then it goes to the regular rate which I think is around $39.99...way cheaper than the almost $70 I'd be paying with MPW rates plus 2 boxes.