Just recently Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) put together an "enhanced" package for subscribers. The system was upgraded from the ugly gold, blue, green and red (GBGR) menuing system to the even uglier Microsoft shades of lavender (MSOL) system. The new system removed some features and proudly announces Microsoft Enhanced. I don't know if the old system was Microsoft Enhanced but I'm going to assume it wasn't as it worked well.

The lack of features that I noticed were #1) slower operation and #2) no channel timers. The old GBGR system had problems I'll admit but wasn't as slow and kludgy as this new one. Removal of the channel timers however is unacceptable.

Channel timers were a function of the GBGR system that allowed users to program the cable box to automatically switch channels at a given time for a given duration. I had multiple channel timers setup, CNBC at 6:00am till 2pm, then TNT, CBC, FOX, TBS, FOX, TNT. All this happend automatically, every weekday. Whenever I turn on the TV, theres my show, already tuned in.

When the MSOL system was installed all my channel timers were removed. I discovered this the TV came on (as the alarm) and was not on CNBC! When I noticed the upgrade I thought that my times had just been deleted during the upgrade and that I'd have to re-configure. It's common for settings to be forgotten or deleted during a Microsoft upgrade procedure.

It was much to my horror when I sat down to re-enter the timer settings and discovered that feature was gone. This was also the same point that I discovered the Microsoft Enhanced logo. The timers were far and away my favourite feature on that box, I completely blame MS for destroying it.

For two days I tried this system, evaluating the change. Well, I didn't like it. Canceled my service. If Microsoft Enhanced means slower operation and less features I don't want it.

exit(0);

Document History

  • 08 Apr 2006 - Created.