Valued Customer,
Video Platform Conversion: At long last the conversion from Analog to Digital video is at hand. The process has been slowed by plant, economic, equipment and a few remaining contractual issues. Versus any further delays, a schedule is in place and its “full speed ahead”. Digital box roll-out and billing and head-end equipment upgrades will be completed in September with a go live date occurring in October. The new digital platform allows 10 channels to be “compressed” into the same bandwidth as a single existing analog channel allowing for several new channels/services to be launched. Posted in this CVC Blog is a list of FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) created to help explain the process and a tentative lineup. (Final line up will change). We expect (may be appropriate here to thank you in advance for your patience) to accomplish the following in as short a time as possible while keeping service disruptions to a minimum:
1) Convert all existing analog channels carried to digital.
(as available on the HITS digital platform)
2) Launch several new channels and services.
3) Reposition our offerings to provide additional levels of service at varying economic price points.
The post conversion offerings will include: (final pricing will be dependent on final contracts)
-- A “lifeline” level of service including approx: 11 Bay Area off-air networks and an analog guide priced at approx. $20/mo.
-- A digital “basic” level of service which closely matches the current line-up and pricing for subscribers satisfied with the current offerings and price levels. (approx 73 channels)-- An expanded digital tier offering an additional 34 channels for an additional $12 to $15/mo.
-- A High Definition Tier including the “big four” networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, & FOX) in High Definition along with several sports , movie, and other news and entertainment channels. This tier will be launched with 20 HD channels and grow as more channels become available in HD format
-- DVR (Digital Video Recorder) capabilities.
-- Full slate of digital music. (42 channels in all formats) included in the digital offerings.
-- Expanded premium movie channels. 7 additional channels on the existing HBO and Cinemax offerings and the launching of Showtime, The Movie Channel, Starz, & Encore.
-- A full slate of PPV (pay per view) channels (approx: channels) First run movies, sporting.
Getting from “here to there” involves a number of firsts for our technical and general and administrative staff. We are confident we’re up to the challenge and along with your cooperation and patience expect to accomplish our goals in short order with a minimum of service disruptions.
Very Truly Yours,
The Entire Central Valley Cable TV (CVC) Staff
PLEASE NOTE: Cable customers will need to have a converter to continue to receive their signals.
DATES for cable TV customers to pick up their required digital converter:
Gualala Customers >> 10/5/09 thru 10/9/09
Sea Ranch Customers >> 10/12/09 thru 10/16/09
