After a recent firmware update, tuning to a channel you don't subscribe to doesn't just alert you to that fact. It pops over to a bright blue screen offering you a chance to upgrade your programming by clicking OK. In fact, OK is the default action, and that is my issue with the "feature." It is far too easy to hit OK (the largest button on the remote) before realizing it has been done. For that matter, a pet can step on the remote a few times and next thing you know you're getting five flavors of HBO.
If I hit the wrong button at night without my glasses on, I can no longer just re-enter the channel number. I've got to be sure to select Cancel first, returning me to the familiar Not Authorized screen where I can then enter another channel number.
"Instant Upgrade" is an AWFUL idea, though probably a profitable one for Charter. Most people who upgrade by accident may not notice for months (if ever), or won't bother calling to get it fixed. You'll notice no provider gives you a way to instantly downgrade your package!
It would be a non-issue if only it defaulted to Cancel instead of OK. As it is, kids might subscribe you to a movie package and your grandparents might end up with adult PPV all because of how "easy" they want to make it to spend more money.
And as a side note, why can't the programming guide be set to show only the channels I do receive? Dish did it a decade ago. I know I can manually set up a favorites list but the box already knows what I don't receive!
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John M - Cranky network guy
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