Lots of places just use the 4 networks as space is at a premium when working with 24, 36 or 48 channels.
The places that drive me crazy is when they mix the analog with the HD, and then don't take the time to get the numbering in the correct order and do 30.1 , 30.2, 33, 35.1 etc.
It can be all mapped down to 2,3,4,5,6 if the installers would take the time to map down the tv's or headend correctly.
I have a few questions about how this all works. Do the DCI401MCS's require programming for each individual system or do they download the map themselves. For example, if I take my own DCI401MCS into a hotel and hook it up to the cable line that ordinarily runs to the TV would it download the correct mapping for that hotel and tune the channels on its' own? Or, are they specifically programmed to each system?
My second question... if they are using Off Air signals for the local HD stations, and only SD channels from DirecTV are they required to Pro:Idiom encrypt the local HDs or would they be tuneable with an "open" QAM encoder?