Monday, April 30, 2007

Cable rate increases scheduled for May 1

Here's a rundown of the areas expecting a monthly cable bill increase as of May 1st.

Marshalltown, IA
Northern IA - Mason City, Des Moines
Pennfield Township - Battle Creek, MI
Shenandoah, IA
Daleville, AL

Know of any others? Please send me an email or post a comment.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Recall Notice - TV Mounts under Circuit City brand name

Flat Panel Tilt TV Mounts Recalled By Circuit City

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.)
Name of Product: "Verge" Flat Panel Television Tilt-Mount BracketsUnits: About 9,900
Importer: Circuit City Stores Inc., of Richmond, Va.Manufacturer: Logitek (HK) International Co. Ltd., of Hong Kong
Hazard: If upward force is applied to a mounted television, the bracket's lock bar could unfasten. This could cause the television to fall and injure bystanders.Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled tilt-mount brackets for flat panel televisions are sold under Circuit City's private label, "Verge." The two model numbers involved in this recall are VPSW103M and VPSW103M2. "Verge" and the model numbers are written on the packaging. There is no writing on the brackets. The brackets were sold individually and through an installation package.
Sold at: Circuit City stores nationwide from September 2006 through April 2007 for about $180 for Model VPSW103M and $140 for Model VPSW103M2.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Circuit City has mailed free repair kits to those consumers it can contact. Consumers who have not received the free repair kit should contact Circuit City immediately to request it. Consumers can also request a free repair by a professional installer.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Time Warner raises cable rates for Albany, NY

ROTTERDAM-- Bills for some Time Warner Cable subscribers will increase next month.

Cost of cable rises at Time Warner Company says digital packages to increase $1.95 per month
By LARRY RULISON
Business writer
Friday, March 23, 2007

The price of three digital cable TV packages in the company's Albany division will go up $1.95 a month starting April 1.

The cheapest of the packages is now $57.90 a month, while the most expensive -- which includes four premium channels -- is $130.90 a month.

The price of most of product packages that combine two or three services such as TV, phone and Internet are also rising. The increases range from $1 to about $3 a month.

The ``All the Best'' package, for instance, which provides TV, Internet and phone, will increase from $126.95 to $129.90. The ``Watch & Talk'' package, which combines TV and phone, will go from $91.95 to $94.90.
Time Warner Cable is the dominant cable television provider in the Capital Region, with 440,000 customers. Increasingly, it has become a larger player for phone and high-speed Internet customers traditionally served by the phone companies.


Customers were informed of the price increases in their bills this month.

Peter Taubkin, vice president of government relations and public affairs in the Albany division, said Thursday the increases in the television rate reflect additional programming that has been added, including high-definition channels such as ESPN HD and MTV HD.

``Obviously, there's many commodities that increase in price but don't increase in capability or value,'' he said. ``We're always advancing and enhancing the product.''

Taubkin said the package prices are still relatively cheap when compared with buying the services separately or getting them from a competitor.

Officials frustrated with Comcast rate hikes - Greater Hanover and Gettysburg, PA

Officials frustrated with Comcast rate hikes

By MEG BERNHARDT
Evening Sun Reporter
Article Launched: 03/29/2007 10:15:12 AM EDT

Adams County cable customers upset with their service should not call their local municipalities, leaders have said this month.

"It's something we really can't control and it's unfortunate," said Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors Chairman John Gregor at Tuesday night's Cumberland meeting.

The township has been getting several dozen letters and phone calls complaining about rising Comcast cable rates that couple with the loss of three channels for basic service, Gregor said.

The same concerns were raised by municipal leaders around the county this month.

Gettysburg Councilman Bill Monahan has pointed out the complaints, but says the borough can't control fees. Similar complaints have been articulated by Fairfield Borough, Bendersville Borough and Butler Township, all of which reported fielding several calls from residents since the change in the fee structure and channel lineup.

Comcast bought out Adelphia Cable in July and gained control of cable in the Gettysburg area. In January, it increased rates by about 2.6 percent for the average customer and moved Hallmark, Court TV, Country Music Television, Oxygen and Shop NBC to the digital line up.

"We know and understand that channel moves can cause some customers discomfort, and they are difficult decisions for us to make," said Gabriel Weissman, a spokesman for Comcast. "Changes, such as moving channels to our digital lineup, allow us to increase space and flexibility on the network."

But many municipalities say the changes are unfair to the residents.

Fairfield Borough Council wrote a letter to Comcast dated Tuesday chiding cable company for cutting channels from basic service. It said the majority of Fairfield residents are of retirement age and on fixed incomes.

"Offering these channels on upgraded packages is of no use to individuals on fixed incomes, who enjoy the entertainment received but can little afford the increased cost," wrote Patricia Smith, the Fairfield Borough Council president. "Your company's actions have done nothing to endear itself to the local subscribers."

In Pennsylvania, local municipalities reach franchising agreements with cable providers, but since Comcast is the only one in Adams County, most municipalities have no negotiating power.

"We're between a rock and a hard place," Gregor said. "We could drop the franchise, but then a lot of people won't have television."

Comcast is a private corporation and determines its own fees and channel selection, he said.

Fairfield Borough is considering asking the Adams County Borough Association to take up the issue, but that's just an idea at this point.

Cumberland Township Manager Flo Ford said she's "asked, demanded and pounded on the table" for rates to be lower, but Comcast did not change its rates.

So if Adams Countians want a change, the best they can do is switch to satellite dishes or reception towers, officials said.

That's what Gregor is personally considering. And council members in Bendersville said they were also thinking of switching to satellite dishes.

"If we all (switched), it might have an impact," Gregor said.

Weissman said moving channels to digital has helped Comcast increase choices for the increasingly popular service.
"Throughout the region, the number of customers requesting new levels of service over the past few months alone has exceeded even our aggressive expectations as customers continue to understand the benefits of digital features," Weissman said.

Additionally, he said the price increase was due to "the increased value of our services and more than $215 million in investments in the region to provide advanced products and services, improve the quality of our products and enhance customer service."

"This investment also allows us to continually raise the bar on coaching/training for our technicians and customer representatives and to provide enhancements such as 2 hour service appointment windows, more late evening and early morning appointment times and more Saturday and Sunday coverage," he said.

Evening Sun reporters Matt Casey and Tim Pratt contributed to this story. Contact Meg Bernhardt at
mbernhardt@eveningsun.com.

Mediacom Raising Cable Rates for Springfield, MO

Mediacom raising rates, cites business expenses

John Taylor
News-Leader

Mediacom is increasing its rates for cable services, but that hike will be smaller for existing customers, said Randy Hollis, the company's senior manager for government relations.The published rate of Mediacom's family-cable package, which includes basic and expanded-basic services, will increase from $48.95 a month to $51.95 a month, he said. However, those who already subscribe to cable service will just see an increase of $1. That information was not included in recent mailings to customers about the rate changes.

"All of us went through some devastation during January's ice storm. ... Through all of that, our customers were very understanding and very patient," Hollis said.

Mediacom customer Lloyd Cunningham said the rate increase was reasonable.

"I can't complain about it," he said. "I went out to the movies last weekend and spent more than I would on cable."
Bev Prochaska, who receives cable, phone and Internet services from Mediacom, said she plans to switch from cable to dish.

However, she indicated she is changing providers more because of Mediacom's service — and customer service — than because of the rate increase.

Hollis said rates are going up because "our cost of doing business continues to rise."

Those costs include fees paid to the different broadcast stations and cable networks as well as health-care costs for employees and the price of equipment.

The rate increase for basic service will be $3.76 per month. However, the expanded-basic rate will decrease 76 cents per month. Since family cable includes both, its published rate will increase $3.

Hollis said new customers might not necessarily pay the published rate because the company offers a variety of promotional packages to attract business.

Bills will include the rate changes beginning April 20.

Cable Rate Increase for Daleville, AL

City cable rates will increase

By Kara Episcopo
Sun-Courier Staff Writer
Mar 30 2007

City cable customers will soon be paying more for their cable service now that Daleville City Council members approved a hike in package prices and additional service charges during last Tuesday’s meeting.

City Cablevision customers will see an increase in their rates as soon as the next full billing cycle, which should be billed in May. The basic cable package rates will be increased by $2, raising the cost from $9.45 to $11.45 per month. Extended basic cable service will increase by $3 from $25.95 to $28.95 per month. Prices for each package upgrade after extended basic cable will be increased by 50-cent increments. Extended basic with one premium channel will increase to $37.45 per month and extended basic with two channels will increase to $45.45 per month from its original $41.45.

Extended basic with three channels will rise by $4.50 costing $52.95 per month and full package cable will rise to $59.95 per month.

“We’re still competitive with other cable companies,” said council member Ralph Chalker. “We’re much cheaper and we offer a quality product.”

In addition, the council approved a $25 initial hookup charge for new customers and an optional $4 per month wire maintenance program for new and existing customers. If customers opt out of the $4 per month fee, any maintenance for wire damage will cost $25 per incidence.

The $4 per month wire maintenance charge will cost customers a total of $48 per year.
“Ever since this cable was built, we have given our services away,” said Daleville Mayor Wess Etheredge. “We’re losing a lot of money without charging anything.”

The council also voted to charge $2 each per month for any additional converter box beyond the initial box to set up the cable service. Each additional remote, besides the first remote control, will cost customers 50 cents per month.
Because many customers upgrade and downgrade their packages often, the council agreed to charge a $5 fee for any type of change in the customer’s service.

The decision by the council to increase the rates came after the council appointed a committee to look into the future of City Cablevision last month.

The rate increase will help the city’s cable service pay for itself, something the service has not done since its inception in 1993.

The city initially invested $1 million to develop the cable system and has since then invested more funds to keep it updated.

The cable company earns enough to sustain its basic operation, but has never been able to generate enough revenue to pay its own debt.

Mid-Atlantic Sports Network Launches On Dish Network

Mid-Atlantic Sports Network Launches On DISH

EchoStar Communications Corporation and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced the launch of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), the television home of the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles.


"Adding the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network to our existing Regional Sports Networks lineup gives Nationals and Orioles fans all the more reason to subscribe to DISH Network," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network.

"By combining the latest and most popular sports programming with the functionality and technology of our industry-leading digital video recorders, they will find multiple ways to enhance their viewing experience."

"We are pleased to have finally reached this agreement with DISH Network," stated Todd Webster, spokesman for MASN. "DISH Network recognizes the huge appetite for Major League Baseball in the mid-Atlantic region and has stepped up to the plate for its customers."

MASN, a 24/7 regional sports and entertainment television network, will feature up to 161 regular season Nationals telecasts and 162 regular season Orioles telecasts this season. Additionally, for the for the first time ever, the network is carrying 30-minute pre-game and post-game shows, providing fans unmatched access all season long. DISH Network customers who subscribe to America's Top 100 Plus and higher or Dish Latino Dos and higher now have access to MASN on channel 432 and MASN2 on channel 433.

DISH Network subscribers will be able to enjoy this programming immediately and are invited to tune in at 6:30 E.T. this evening to either channel 432 to catch the Orioles at New York Yankees or channel 433 to see the Nationals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. For more baseball action this weekend and all season long, subscribers should visit
www.masnsports.com for schedules.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Dish Network Offering 7 Regional Sports Network Channels In High Definition

Dish Network Offering 7 RSN Channels In High Def

EchoStar Communications Corporation and its DISH NetworkTM satellite TV service have announced the launch of seven Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in high definition (HD) that will strengthen DISH Network’s position as the leader in HD programming. Now avid fans in these seven markets will have access to their home team’s games in vivid HD and stunning surround sound.

“Sports fans have been driving the HD movement for quite some time now so naturally we’re excited to offer regional coverage of games and sporting events in this amazing and graphic picture quality,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “Whether it’s baseball, basketball, football, college or professional, there’s no better way to watch all the action than in HD and DISH Network has a great sports lineup and the most national HD channels today.”

The seven HD RSNs launched today include Fox Sports Network Florida (DISH Network Ch. 373), Fox Sports Network Midwest (Ch. 368), Fox Sports Network West (Ch. 367), Fox Sports Network Prime Ticket (Ch. 361), Fox Sports Network Rocky Mountain (Ch. 364), Fox Sports Network South (Ch. 370) and Fox Sports Network Southwest (Ch. 366).

DISH Network will continue to explore carriage of additional HD RSNs throughout the year to enhance local HD programming line-ups. In addition to the seven RSNs announced today, DISH Network will begin offering Sun Sports and SportSouth this spring as well as Altitude this fall.

DISH Network offers customers an incredible value in HD sports programming including NFL Network HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Rush HD, WorldSport HD, local HD networks in 29 markets and now these RSNs that will feature game-only content in HD. DISH Network also offers sports and HD enthusiasts a digital video recorder (DVR) to record their favorite programming and exciting sports moments, to control their own instant replay by pausing live TV and rewinding, as well as the ability to fast forward through time-outs, halftimes and commercials using a 30-second skip feature.

Subscribers who sign up now with DISH Network can get an industry-leading HD/DVR, the ViP622 DVR, at no upfront cost and can select from exciting all digital standard definition (SD) and HD programming packages.
New and existing subscribers can sign up for DISH Network’s DishDVR Advantage, an all-inclusive TV package with more than 200 all digital SD channels, local channels where available, a state-of-the-art DVR serving two TVs and free standard professional installation with no extra fees for one low price of $49.99. For only $20 more a month customers can customize their DishDVR Advantage plan with DishHD. The HD RSNs are available to customers who subscribe to DISH Network’s America’s Top 100 Plus programming with DishHD.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Cable rates going up in city and three area towns

By Doug Russell
News Editor

mcalesternews.com

Cable rates are going up in Longtown, McAlester, Savanna and Arpelar.

The reason, Allegiance Communications officials said, is to offset climbing programming expenses, retransmission costs and other operational costs.

In McAlester, the current $14.61 limited basic rate is climbing to $19.95, while the expanded basic rate is dropping from $24.75 to $23.

The limited basic rate in Longtown isn’t changing. It will remain $19.95 per month. However the expanded basic rate is going from the current $22.50 to $25.

The limited basic rate in Savanna is climbing $3, from a current $34.95 to $37.95, while Arpelar’s limited basic rate is going up $2.20, from $32.75 to $34.95.

The rate changes will take effect May 1.

The changes don’t include taxes, franchise fees or FCC user fees.

All prices and services, including programming, channel locations and packaging are subject to change.

Depending on levels of service or programming taken, additional equipment and installation charges may apply. Cable customers have to subscribe to basic service to get other optional services.

Customers can file complaints with the local franchise authority within 90 days of effective date of the rate change.

For more information, go by Allegiance Communications, 205 E. Cherokee Ave., or call (800) 455-6460.

So long analog...

If you've been looking for a good excuse to throw your outdated analog TV out to curb, the digital television transition occurring in February 2009 would be a good one. Ok, so you don't REALLY need a brand new TV in order to receive the digital signals, just a set top box and antenna, but just think about how great the picture quality would be...

Dreams of a new TV aside, the Digital TV (DTV) transition is really important. There are a ton of people out there that either don't know anything about it or don't know much. In order to educate the general population, the FCC has set up a corny, yet informative web site for consumers regarding the switch. Just visit www.DTV.gov. You'll also find the link under my Relevant Links.

To summarize, on February 17, 2009 all television broadcasters will discontinue analog broadcasting and transition over to digital broadcasting. There are many benefits to Digital TV technology including improved picture quality, its ability to efficiently transmit more information than analog, and it can transmit multiple standard definition digital TV programs at once. Even more importantly, switching over to all digital will free up valuable analog stations currently in short supply. These stations will be used by public and safety services such as emergency, fire, and rescue services. Until the switch occurs, all broadcasters will continue to transmit in both analog and digital formats. Customers most affected by the switch will be those solely relying upon “bunny-ears” or antennas for over-the-air broadcasting. Converting these digital broadcasts into analog format will require a converter box. Cable and Satellite subscribers may simply need to update equipment.

DTV is not the same as HDTV, or High Definition Television. HDTV is a form of DTV, but is the highest quality digital broadcasting available. If you're looking to experience the full potential of digital television, you need to subscribe to High Definition programming. I'll provide more on this topic later.

Public Officials Using Tax Dollars to Lobby for Higher Cable TV Rates

Public Officials Using Tax Dollars to Lobby for Higher Cable TV Rates— Tennessee municipalities are spending tax dollars to defeat cable franchise reforms that would, if enacted, lower rates and improve service quality for millions of Tennessee consumers. As detailed in a report released today titled Assessing the Case for Cable Franchise Reform by Diane Katz of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, the Tennessee Municipal League and its members are also employing false claims and twisted facts in their attempt to block the proposed reforms from winning passage in the Tennessee Legislature.


View Full Story
*Promotional Offers: require participation in DHA-24. 3 Months Free: requires qualifying programming, including AT100 or higher, DishLATINO or higher, DishHD package or a select qualifying International package. Customer receives 3 credits of $39.99 each, applied to the 1st, 10th and 20th months of service. Customer must maintain qualifying programming service to receive all three credits. DHPP: After 9 free months of DHPP, customer must call to downgrade or then-current price will apply.

National Programming Service, LLC d/b/a AllAmericanDirect.com is an authorized independent contractor retailer of DISH Network L.L.C. DISH, DISH Network and DISH Network logos are registered trademarks and/or service marks of DISH Network L.L.C. and/or its affiliate(s). The DISH Network trademarks and/or service marks are used by authority of DISH Network L.L.C. and/or its applicable affiliate(s).