However, I am unable to economically block objectionable channels – that is the core of my question.

Years ago I bought notch filters to block objectionable channels from my home – all on my nickel, the people I spoke with at Comcast back then were either unable or unwilling to solve the problem.

As part of the transition to all-digital Comcast, provided at no cost, one of their huge Motorola set-top boxes (that, in addition to it’s incredible size generates torrents of heat) and two of their Digital Television Adapters (DTAs). The install went fairly smoothly on all four of my TVs.

However, when I tried to block channels, something Comcast’s web site “brags” about quite a lot, I was told that only the Motorola Set Top Box can do that. Comcast tells me that the ONLY way to block channels for my other three TVs is for me to pay an additional $6.95 each month to add a Motorola Set Top box to each of my other TVs – an additional $250 annually just to not receive certain programs.

That is astonishing – why should I be required to pay extra to NOT receive some channels? It boggles the mind.

According to the FCC web site (http://www.fcc.gov/parents/channelblocking.html) “Section 640 requires a cable operator to fully scramble or block the audio and video portions of programming services not specifically subscribed to by a household. The cable operator must fully scramble or block the programming in question upon the request of the subscriber and at no charge to the subscriber.” Is this requirement equally applicable to cable providers delivering in digital? The channels I want to lock are part of a package but without that package I might as well just stick up an antenna and watch over-the-air television because that package contains Disney, the CNN and Fox news channels, USA, History, and on and on.

Thank you.