HELLLLLP! Comcast refuses to fix my signal error! Should I file an FCC complaint?

I have a 32" analog Sony TV that I only use for three things:

1. DVD movies
2. PBS
3. C-SPAN

For the uninitiated, C-SPAN actually consists of 3 different channels:

1. C-SPAN (the U.S. House of Representatives)
   
2. C-SPAN2 (the U.S. Senate)
3. C-SPAN3 . . . "History" (but in any event, the least important of the 3)

Those of you who are "C-SPAN junkies" like I am will feel my pain when I tell you that for 3 days and now two separate phone calls I cannot get reception on either C-SPAN or C-SPAN2. The black screen displays a generic signal error "S0a00" and the ubiquitous ONE MOMENT PLEASE This channel will be available shortly message when I attempt to access either of these two C-SPAN channels.

In two separate phone calls Comcast has refused to send someone out to replace my cable box. They tell me "just be patient, I'm sure it will be okay."

Guys look, I'm basically a reader. I don't require anything fancy in either my TV hardware or my channel selections. Occasionally I will watch PBS for their mysteries, but I watch C-SPAN and C-SPAN2 every single day. It's on my entire business day while I work (I work out of my home), and it's always on in the kitchen while I'm cooking. These two channels are on probably 10 hours every day . . . or were, until a few days ago.

For Comcast to refuse to fix my signal problem is the equivalent of rendering 90% of the few channels I watch unavailable to me!

I know I'm not a huge money maker with them, but I pay the lease on my cable box every month, doesn't that give me some right to service? Should I file a formal FCC complaint?

fm

Guys, wow you are the greatest! I thought no one would respond for a week or something . . . 10 replies! I love you for that.

Yes, I'm in the Global Nightlife Capital of the World, El Sobrante, California heh he. So much to answer . . .

By all means take an extended gander from time to time at the 3 C-SPAN channels. This is our government! Even if you're bored to tears during the quorum calls, sometimes it's the stuff they run when the two houses are not in session that is the most provocative. And at times hilarious. Where else are you going to see arch-feminist Naomi Wolf going head-to-head with conservative Harvey Mansfield and his book Manhood. Priceless.

tveli . . . I don't want to purchase my own cable box because I'm uncomfortable going "independent" from Comcast. At the rate broadcast technology is changing, I'm more comfortable retaining my option to force them to replace equipment as their endless fiddling with signals alters the hardware designed to support it as this issue is a prime example of.

I am a Basic Cable subscriber with a slowww dial-up internet connection guys. No live streaming for this analog girl; I'm a reader. But take away my C-SPAN and . . . them's fightin' words. Again, it's the first two of the 3 C-SPAN channels I can't get. I get C-SPAN3 just fine. The latest development however is that now I've also lost one of my PBS stations! WFT???

I'm going to attempt the complete unplugging scenario that some of you have recommended. If it doesn't work, I'm going down there in person and demand a new cable box or file with the FCC.

fm

MOTOROLA
MODEL DCT700/US
PHASE 2.7
PLATFORM ID 176

Again, I lease it.

Ratman . . . could you be very specific with me about what I am unplugging:

The power from the box
The power from the TV
The coax from the box
The coax from the TV
Remove the batteries from the remote, wait, and then replace them
All of the above

I'll hold off attempting this until I hear back.

Hi guys, okay it's done. Comcast came out Friday and replaced some cylindrical thingamajiggy outside in the green cable-whatever-you-call it and the channels are coming in fine now. Thanks Ratman for your help!

fm

skip it

And I'm definitely sorry I answered. Wow.