Comcast Data Cap

Comcast raises the data cap from 300 GB to 1 TB.

Get Cable via Amazon

Is there anything you can't get from Amazon?

"Introducing the Amazon Cable Store, where you can shop for XFINITY internet, TV, and home phone services. We took all of XFINITY's best online offers, added Amazon exclusive promotions and a dedicated customer service experience from XFINITY, and let you place your order online in 3 simple steps."

Via Slashdot.org

Monster Cable Modem

Comcast sent me a new cable modem (XB3) - something about needing it for improved service or new functionality. I thought the old one was big, but the new one (right) is huge.

I did a little before and after testing. No obvious change and I'm clearly not getting 2 Gbps.

Before:


After:



The new cable modem also has 802.11ac support - which is an improvement over my 802.11n ASUS router. I've flipped my TV and phone over to the AC wireless to test and I saw the expected speed improvements.

And, of course, the new cable modem is not configured for bridge mode. I had resigned myself to making another couple of calls, but I noticed the bridge mode button is actually available from the web console. I need to put my phone and TV back on my wireless router before I can test - bridge mode disables the Comcast wi-fi.

Comcast Problem Tweeting Autobot

Genius:

"A Reddit user became so frustrated with paying Comcast for 150 mbps internet but not receiving the prescribed speed, so set up a bot using a Raspberry Pi to tweets complaints at the ISP.

The bot constantly performs speed tests to check if the internet is up to scratch, and if it drops below 50mbps an automatic tweet to Comcast with the speeds is generated."

Via @amyengineer

Comcast DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Class Modem

Comcast announces DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit go-live:

"The next-generation technology that will deliver gigabit Internet speeds moved from the laboratory to the living room late last month when we installed what we believe to be the world’s first DOCSIS 3.1 modem on a customer-facing network." 

"The next-generation technology that will deliver gigabit Internet speeds moved from the laboratory to the living room late last month when we installed what we believe to be the world’s first DOCSIS 3.1 modem on a customer-facing network." 

"The beauty of DOCSIS 3.1 is that it is backwards compatible, so no digging up streets or backyards. This technology, when combined with the extensive upgrades we have already completed on our advanced Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial network, will provide more gigabit choices for our customers."

While I'd love to have more bandwidth, I don't really need it. If this helps them hold down their costs AND they pass the savings on to me, then I'd be really excited. (And savings could mean no rate increases.)

Via Business Insider

Library Internet Access

I'd like to check-out the internet, please. Libraries are going beyond providing internet access at their buildings by loaning hot-spots.

T-Mobile and Binge-On

No surprise - there is no free lunch. The T-Mobile Binge-On service drops video to 480p.

More Cord Cutting

First, people were dropping cable TV. Now, they are dropping home internet service. I stand by my crazy suggestions to keep customers.

Cord Cutting Accelerates

People are dumping cable faster than ever. How can cable companies stop the decline?

I have a crazy idea - charge less and improve service.

May May

It's funny to hear, but I saw the word "meme" long before I ever knew how to say it.

Vizio TV Watches You

I know there is a "in Soviet Russia" joke in here, but I hate to hear that the Vizio TVs are tracking me:

"Vizio's technology works by analyzing snippets of the shows you're watching, whether on traditional television or streaming Internet services such as Netflix. Vizio determines the date, time, channel of programs — as well as whether you watched them live or recorded. The viewing patterns are then connected your IP address - the Internet address that can be used to identify every device in a home, from your TV to a phone."

Other than that, I really like my Vizio (M55-C2) 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV.  Maybe it is too smart.

Telnet Star Wars

So there was the Star Wars traceroute... now you can see A New Hope in ASCII via telnet. Telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl.

OneDrive Changes

So unlimited space didn't last long with OneDrive...

"Since we started to roll out unlimited cloud storage to Office 365 consumer subscribers, a small number of users backed up numerous PCs and stored entire movie collections and DVR recordings. In some instances, this exceeded 75 TB per user or 14,000 times the average. Instead of focusing on extreme backup scenarios, we want to remain focused on delivering high-value productivity and collaboration experiences that benefit the majority of OneDrive users.
Here are the changes:

• We’re no longer planning to offer unlimited storage to Office 365 Home, Personal, or University subscribers. Starting now, those subscriptions will include 1 TB of OneDrive storage.
• 100 GB and 200 GB paid plans are going away as an option for new users and will be replaced with a 50 GB plan for $1.99 per month in early 2016.
• Free OneDrive storage will decrease from 15 GB to 5 GB for all users, current and new. The 15 GB camera roll storage bonus will also be discontinued. These changes will start rolling out in early 2016."

Cheaper Tech Except...

The trend is for tech to get cheaper over time... with the exception of your cable bill.

I've been thinking about cutting the cable cord and going a la carte - $40 gets me lots of channels including ESPN(s), SEC Network, and HBO.  I should probably pick up an ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and quit renting, too.

Inflation

In about 7 months average web page size will be same as Doom install image. Well done us! Onwards & upwards! pic.twitter.com/xtSAtZjPGl

— ronan cremin (@xbs) July 30, 2015

2 Gbps

Because my 100 Mbps connection isn't enough... Comcast to bring 2 Gbps to Knoxville.

No More Cert Renewals

What a great way to save some money!

How not to deal with an expired SSL Certificate http://t.co/h5U9qWm8PT pic.twitter.com/FehGNvQsF8
— SERVERTASTIC (@servertastic) April 9, 2015

IoT: Neo Smart Jar

So there was the crockpot and now there are smart jars. I don't see them getting much traction at $99 for a pair.

Via The Blaze.

Xfinity X1

So while my cable was out, I learned that the Xfinity X1 Platform requires the network to view your recordings. I've not researched it, but I assumed the X1 has a hard drive and that this is a design choice. Boo I say. Boo.

Watching some of my recorded programs would have been a nice option to have since I was without cable for 18 hours.

Mother Nature

Boo. No internet (or TV) for 18 hours. Good news is we kept power the whole time.