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TV viewers face several choices for reception
By: Chabella Guzman, Staff Reporter
Television has come a long way from the time when only people living in town could get cable and rural residents had satellite dishes that eclipsed the sides of their homes.
Now the Panhandle has several options for getting their favorite shows and sports, with the biggest providers in the area being Charter Communications, DirecTV and DishNetwork.
The coming year will bring a change from analog to digital transmission by February, along with higher costs.
Charter Communications is under investigation for pricing policies by the FCC with several other major cable operators.
The FCC wrote on Oct. 30 to cable operators, including Charter Communications, about the practice of moving analog channels into digital tiers to free up bandwidth for other uses, such as high-definition channels. Analog customers will have to get a digital set-top box from the operator or buy the digital TV tier to watch those channels.
According to Anita Lamont, senior director of communications for Charter, the company has received the letter of inquiry from the FCC and is working hard to address the issue. She said digital video clearly provides a better picture and viewing experience for consumers.
For consumers who will be looking to either change or pick a provider, all three companies offer packages or even bundles of services.
DirecTV was the first company to offer HD channels at its inception in 1994, according to Jade Ekstedt, public relations manager.
“DirecTV offers sports fans the NFL Sunday package that is ours exclusively,” she said, “which is a big plus for a lot of people.”
Some customers in the area may miss a game on the package if it is offered on local stations, as DirecTV does not include any local stations in the area.
“We don’t offer local stations in all areas but continue to roll out more local stations to markets. Currently there is no specific launch dates for the Panhandle, but we are constantly working to give our customers the best service,” she said.
DirecTV consumers also don’t have to worry about the change from digital to analog, as the company is already HD ready.
Charter Communications offers bundles and its lowest pricing starts at a higher rate than the other providers. It also carries local stations.
According to Lamont, Charter’s bundle of video, high-speed Internet and telephone offers a huge cost savings for customers.
The digital switchover from analog to digital should go smoothly.
“We’re pleased to say that our customers in Scottsbluff are covered. No matter what kind of television a customer has, they will still be able to see all of their programming from Charter,” she said.
Customer that already have Charter will not have to buy any equipment.
“Charter will simply convert the new digital broadcast signal and allow the signal to flow to every television connected to our video service. There is no need to buy a new TV as long as it’s hooked up to an active Charter outlet in the home. There will be no difference,” Lamont said.
The Dish Network also offers local programming and has the lowest package price of the three, beginning at $24.99.
Dish Network also broadcasts with a digital signal already.
For more information on any of the companies, visit the Web sites at www.charter.com, www.dishnetwork.com and www.directv.com.
Now the Panhandle has several options for getting their favorite shows and sports, with the biggest providers in the area being Charter Communications, DirecTV and DishNetwork.
The coming year will bring a change from analog to digital transmission by February, along with higher costs.
Charter Communications is under investigation for pricing policies by the FCC with several other major cable operators.
The FCC wrote on Oct. 30 to cable operators, including Charter Communications, about the practice of moving analog channels into digital tiers to free up bandwidth for other uses, such as high-definition channels. Analog customers will have to get a digital set-top box from the operator or buy the digital TV tier to watch those channels.
According to Anita Lamont, senior director of communications for Charter, the company has received the letter of inquiry from the FCC and is working hard to address the issue. She said digital video clearly provides a better picture and viewing experience for consumers.
For consumers who will be looking to either change or pick a provider, all three companies offer packages or even bundles of services.
DirecTV was the first company to offer HD channels at its inception in 1994, according to Jade Ekstedt, public relations manager.
“DirecTV offers sports fans the NFL Sunday package that is ours exclusively,” she said, “which is a big plus for a lot of people.”
Some customers in the area may miss a game on the package if it is offered on local stations, as DirecTV does not include any local stations in the area.
“We don’t offer local stations in all areas but continue to roll out more local stations to markets. Currently there is no specific launch dates for the Panhandle, but we are constantly working to give our customers the best service,” she said.
DirecTV consumers also don’t have to worry about the change from digital to analog, as the company is already HD ready.
Charter Communications offers bundles and its lowest pricing starts at a higher rate than the other providers. It also carries local stations.
According to Lamont, Charter’s bundle of video, high-speed Internet and telephone offers a huge cost savings for customers.
The digital switchover from analog to digital should go smoothly.
“We’re pleased to say that our customers in Scottsbluff are covered. No matter what kind of television a customer has, they will still be able to see all of their programming from Charter,” she said.
Customer that already have Charter will not have to buy any equipment.
“Charter will simply convert the new digital broadcast signal and allow the signal to flow to every television connected to our video service. There is no need to buy a new TV as long as it’s hooked up to an active Charter outlet in the home. There will be no difference,” Lamont said.
The Dish Network also offers local programming and has the lowest package price of the three, beginning at $24.99.
Dish Network also broadcasts with a digital signal already.
For more information on any of the companies, visit the Web sites at www.charter.com, www.dishnetwork.com and www.directv.com.
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