The most acute symptom is the industry's sudden lack of interest in adding channels.

Before cable systems add new channels, they will be looking for ways to pass costs on to consumers, or at least not lose any money.

Some have added channels that broadcast local news, sports or weather.

"Most cable systems don't have the room to add new channels."

In addition, many operators have added channels to their basic package.

"If an operator is going to add channels, we have to be there."

A user can add and delete channels on this page.

We were able to add channels up to our allotted 1,000 blocks.

Once you've added several favorite channels, they can be skipped between with single presses of the left or right buttons.

Under current rules, cable companies can add channels but may charge only 7.5 percent more than the cost of that additional programming.