Earlier today I activated a new digital converter (cable TV) box from my local cable company. I dialed the number listed on the activation instructions and the automatic speech recognition system prompted me for the usual information – number of devices being configured, serial number, etc. One of the questions was a bit disconcerting,
“What is the name of the room where you’ll be using this digital converter?”
I understand that labeling the device makes it easier to troubleshoot. I can call tech support and say, “Cable isn’t working in my living room, please fix it,” and the appropriate signals would be sent to that specific unit. But it felt strange letting the cable company know where in my home I was using the cable box. So I answered, “upstairs,” but that was not acceptable to the computerized voice on the other end of the line. Finally, I said, “bedroom.”
Next time I’ll say, “bathroom.”