Metrocast change

[Rusty]

Metrocast will require a set-top box for all TV's.
Here is the letter that I rec'd from them:

[rick35]

Comcast did that a few years ago. I think the adapters started out free and then they cost $5-6 per month for each adapter if I remember correctly. So if you had an extra tv it didn't cost anything to plug it in. Not any more. If they can't upsell for additional programming they get you for the connections.

[wifi]

Interesting direction they are going. Here in Time Warner land, if you also have their internet service and a Roku like streaming device, you can download a free app and have access to all the channels you pay for. It actually has turned out to work well, after some initial development issues. IIRC, you also have web access to the same, only from your home IP tho.

[jacka82942]

$1.95 per month for each box. if you have a dvr, don't need anything or the little black boxes they sent out last year. ordered 2 new boxes. coming in mail within a week

[Major]

Originally Posted by jacka82942

$1.95 per month for each box. if you have a dvr, don't need anything or the little black boxes they sent out last year. ordered 2 new boxes. coming in mail within a week

Jack, do you mean that you don't need the new box if you have DVR or the little black box that sent last year? Please clarify. Thanks!

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by wifi

Interesting direction they are going. Here in Time Warner land, if you also have their internet service and a Roku like streaming device, you can download a free app and have access to all the channels you pay for. It actually has turned out to work well, after some initial development issues. IIRC, you also have web access to the same, only from your home IP tho.

And they will all be heading in the app direction soon, especially if the FCC has anything to do with it (though the FCC plan has a LONG way to go before they'll reach any necessary compromise with the industries involved)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/n...ress/90417626/

[Winnisquamer]

I pray every night a bunch of trees in my yard will fall so I can throw metrocast out of my house for good.

No sat signal for this guy

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by rick35

Comcast did that a few years ago. I think the adapters started out free and then they cost $5-6 per month for each adapter .

$3.99 a month

[upthesaukee]

Thank goodness for TDS.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

[jacka82942]

for the second sunday in a row, i couldn't get any internet service until after 7am. even got a call from my alarm company that the phone connection was lost.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by jacka82942

for the second sunday in a row, i couldn't get any internet service until after 7am. even got a call from my alarm company that the phone connection was lost.

Maybe they will require you to have another $1.95 device to get any early morning service on Sundays...I certainly wouldn't be surprised.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by jacka82942

for the second sunday in a row, i couldn't get any internet service until after 7am. even got a call from my alarm company that the phone connection was lost.

I lost internet service over the weekend as well. Could not get through their service line as I was on hold and refuse to wait. They never call me back.

Sign in this morning and I have internet service. I lost it Friday night and I should have credit for two days. I tried that before and well good luck!

Bring back competition!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I lost internet service over the weekend as well. Could not get through their service line as I was on hold and refuse to wait. They never call me back.

Sign in this morning and I have internet service. I lost it Friday night and I should have credit for two days. I tried that before and well good luck!

Bring back competition!

Not that I am a fan of Metrocast (service is slow) nor am I defending them but they have been doing a lot of cable work in Laconia the past few weeks, especially in South Down/Long Bay. Could have been the reason for the temporary outage.

[Barney Bear]

We have had continual service all weekend. We have bundled service here at our place on East Bear Island. 🐻

[Major]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Not that I am a fan of Metrocast (service is slow) nor am I defending them but they have been doing a lot of cable work in Laconia the past few weeks, especially in South Down/Long Bay. Could have been the reason for the temporary outage.

I'll say. Metrocast has been in South Down and Long Bay a lot lately.

[jacka82942]

if you have either a dvr or the little black box, you are ok and don't need anything else

[BroadHopper]

Most if not all of the units have satellite TV. Metrocast insist that the association is responsible to upgrading the underground cable. Service is very spotty.

[phoenix]

This happened with our cox service some suspect it will also happen with time warner.

[eyenotall777]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Thank goodness for TDS.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

Upthesaukee - do you have TDS? If so, how to you like it, what are your thoughts? A flyer was left in my door as they are coming into our area.

Thank you for any input.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by eyenotall777

Upthesaukee - do you have TDS? If so, how to you like it, what are your thoughts? A flyer was left in my door as they are coming into our area.

Thank you for any input.

We've had it since June. Short answer, better features, speed and service, for $80/month less than Metrocast was charging. No brainer.

Based on the trucks and installs I've seen, the percentage of customers in Alton and New Durham who changed from Metrocast to TDS is extremely high. On my street, close to 100%

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by eyenotall777

Upthesaukee - do you have TDS? If so, how to you like it, what are your thoughts? A flyer was left in my door as they are coming into our area.

Thank you for any input.

We have wireless connection for each TV (2 TV's), one of which we use on the porch off our bedroom in summer, in in the bedroom in the winter. With Metrocast, we had to run cable to the porch. Now we just move the box and all between locations. Internet is much faster. More channels with the extended basic package than we had with Metrocast. Pay $5 extra each month for unlimited long distance (cell coverage is pretty good, just not great at our house. ). We met with the lady from TDS and after comparing everything, our monthly cost dropped over $30 per month. We went with it, and both my CFO (lady what pays the bills) are very happy. Friends have talked to Metrocast prior to switching, and they lowered their price, so the friends stayed with them. My thought was why didn't they lower the price without me calling. They knew TDS was coming into town as competition; Metrocast chose not to be competitive unless you call. Good bye.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Friends have talked to Metrocast prior to switching, and they lowered their price, so the friends stayed with them. My thought was why didn't they lower the price without me calling. They knew TDS was coming into town as competition; Metrocast chose not to be competitive unless you call. Good bye.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

Saw the same thing in New Durham. But even at the same price level, TDS has faster, better, services. To me, the only advantage that Metrocast has was the ability to get basic TV channels without a set-top-box. Now they apparently seem to be shooting themselves in the foot on that one too.

[garysanfran]

Does not seem to be as universal as Metrocast. Put in my address in Meredith...No coverage. I'd like to dump Metrocast. Too expensive and to many channels need a special "subscription".

I use Comcast in California, and like it.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

Saw the same thing in New Durham. But even at the same price level, TDS has faster, better, services. To me, the only advantage that Metrocast has was the ability to get basic TV channels without a set-top-box. Now they apparently seem to be shooting themselves in the foot on that one too.

That pretty much sums it up about what Metrocast is doing...as a minimum everyone will need at least a set-top-box to get any TV channels.

[longislander]

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Thursday it would delay a final vote on a landmark reform of the $20 billion television set-top box market.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has touted his plan to allow tens of millions of U.S. pay TV subscribers to ditch costly set-top boxes and access video programming online. But his position faces fierce criticism from cable companies and programmers.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-fcc...150524346.html

[beaner]

Thanks for posting that Yahoo article. Here's the takeaway for me:
"Set-top box rental fees have jumped 185 percent since 1994, while the cost of televisions, computers and mobile phones has dropped 90 percent, the FCC has estimated."

I get that they don't want people stealing cable TV. But if I have 4 TVs, why must each have a separate box, presumably each with its own remote, rather than simply unscrambling the signal at the hub?

I also do not understand why our town officials keep locking us into (7-10) multi-year contracts that allow Metrocast to impose double-digit rate increases year after year. Who is doing the negotiating?

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by beaner

I get that they don't want people stealing cable TV. But if I have 4 TVs, why must each have a separate box, presumably each with its own remote, rather than simply unscrambling the signal at the hub?
?

You can certainly do that but they will all be on the same channel. I in fact did have at one time my bedroom tv connected to the same box in my living room so I could watch that expanded line-up. Of course I had to buy a device to send a signal back over the cable to be able to change the channel.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

I had to buy a device to send a signal back over the cable to be able to change the channel.

What did you get to do this?

Thanks

[HomeWood]

I just ordered two boxes for this change. I then asked to renegotiate my bill. I pay the cable bill at the lake to contribute. The bill has started to creep up. I was told by the rep that Metrocast doesn't do that but I could cut back on services. I can renegotiate here in NC with TWC. In fact, it's that time of year again. If it weren't for my technology challenged parents, I would stream only with smart TV's and rabbit ears for local channels.

I hate cable and dish services.

[greeleyhill]

I was under the impression that we just needed the digital converter to continue watching digital quality channels but the new converters boost your TV signal to HD. When we originally had the cable directly connected to the TV, the image was pretty poor (if you are used to watching HD). These new converters make all my TVs HD quality. Maybe you are aware of this, I wasn't...

[BroadHopper]

to get set-boxes for me, my aunt and my uncle. Found out with the basic and expanded basic package each account is allowed 2 free standard set-box not the HD. HD costs $1.95 @ month each! If you have one of the premium packages you will only get one free HD set box.

The office says my aunt and uncle already have set boxes, my aunt has a DVR. I looked at their statements later and they are being charged a monthly fee for the devices. Found them and they are not being used as the remote is too small for their sights and the channel numbering system is way too different to remember. My aunt does not use the DVR. I notice my uncle is charged $8.95 for his set box! They are taking advantage of the elderly!

I was googling HD set-boxes on line and found many available on line for as little as $25. Found a used one for $10. Anyone ever set up a set-box not from Metrocast?

The family uses the digital tuners built into the TV. The channel numbers are easier for them to remember. I purchased large buttons remotes for their use.

I'm not sure now what to do for them. The instructions for the remotes do not include set boxes and the new channel numbers will be very confusing!

As for me I use the Peel remote app. This app allow me to change channel numbers and large buttons on my tablets. I requires internet and my aunt and uncle do not have internet.

[Rusty]

Please read the letter that I got from Metrocast very carefully. It states that all set-top-boxes will have a charge after a certain period of time.
Basic will be after 2 years and expanded basic after 1 year.
This letter is the only official information about the charges of these boxes.
Both boxes will carry a charge of $1.95/month.

What is being communicated via the telephone between Metrocast and customers is either being misunderstood or not explained correctly.

This is going to be very hard for the elderly and people who have trouble setting up these set-top-boxes. Channels will be different and if you use the remote for your TV instead of the set-top-box remote it will really mess up both remotes (hard for me to explain but YOU will find out).

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by greeleyhill

I was under the impression that we just needed the digital converter to continue watching digital quality channels but the new converters boost your TV signal to HD. When we originally had the cable directly connected to the TV, the image was pretty poor (if you are used to watching HD). These new converters make all my TVs HD quality. Maybe you are aware of this, I wasn't...

Funny, it was just the opposite for me. HD using the TV tuner for example 9.1 gives sharp 1080p with Dolby digital 5.1 signal. If you click on info the VIZIO shows that information. Switch to the HD box and the information reads 1080i and Dolby digital. My theater system shows only 2 channel is broadcast.

Called the help line and they have no idea what I am talking about????

Do I have a defective box?

[Rusty]

Got this email today from Metrocast:

Dear Valued Customer,

On October 26, 2016 MetroCast will start encrypting Basic and Expanded Basic services.

If you have a set-top box, digital terminal adapter (DTA) or a retail Cable CARD™ device connected to each of your TVs, you will be unaffected by this change.

However, if you are currently receiving MetroCast's Basic and/or Expanded Basic service on any TV without equipment supplied by MetroCast, you will lose the ability to view any channels on that TV.

If you believe you will be affected, you should contact MetroCast at1.800.952.1001 to arrange for the equipment you will need to continue receiving your services. If you are a business customer, call 1.800.952.1312.

[jeffk]

The funny thing is, they have been sending out email, letters, and announcements on TV about the upcoming change but I bet when the change happens they will be flooded with calls from people who will claim they had no idea this was going to happen and will be angry that they weren't notified and have lost their TV signal.

Of course I also wonder if their equipment will each work properly with the newly encrypted signal.

[Rusty]

It is going to take 4 weeks to scramble all channels. They will do a few channels each week until all are scrambled.
The QVC shopping channels will probably be the last ones to be scrambled.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Got this email today from Metrocast:

Dear Valued Customer,

On October 26, 2016 MetroCast will start encrypting Basic and Expanded Basic services.

If you believe you will be affected, you should contact MetroCast at1.800.952.1001 to arrange for the equipment you will need to continue receiving your services. If you are a business customer, call 1.800.952.1312.

We just got this email too. Considering we are seasonal users and went into "park" mode for the offseason on 9/30/16, this notice comes late. We have a DVR so there is no need for additional equipment, but since we are 300 miles from the camp, it would be a little difficult to arrange for added equipment had we needed it. Didn't they know of these changes earlier in the season? We aren't the only seasonal users, so many others are affected too.

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

We just got this email too. Considering we are seasonal users and went into "park" mode for the offseason on 9/30/16, this notice comes late. We have a DVR so there is no need for additional equipment, but since we are 300 miles from the camp, it would be a little difficult to arrange for added equipment had we needed it. Didn't they know of these changes earlier in the season? We aren't the only seasonal users, so many others are affected too.

I guess I'm wondering if you are "parked" and not using the system, you don't really need to upgrade now. If you are able to install the new box yourself, just ask them to send it to you and install it when you get here. If you need them to do it, when you know when you are coming back just set up an appointment for the next day or so. Yes, it would be nice to have done it ahead of time before you need it but this is only a slight inconvenience.

They may have selected to do it at this time of year because there are less people around in seasonal homes and if there are problems they won't get buried as bad in service calls.

I understand the desire to get things taken care of; I'm the same way. But it should work out pretty easily. I have a simple terminal adaptor and it would be trivial to install it.

Besides, if you don't get the box until spring, you won't have to pay device fees until then.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

We just got this email too. Considering we are seasonal users and went into "park" mode for the offseason on 9/30/16, this notice comes late. We have a DVR so there is no need for additional equipment, but since we are 300 miles from the camp, it would be a little difficult to arrange for added equipment had we needed it. Didn't they know of these changes earlier in the season? We aren't the only seasonal users, so many others are affected too.

If your DVR wasn't supplied by Metrocast it will no longer work when they scramble the channels.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

What did you get to do this?

Thanks

Sorry for the delay. I bought it many moons ago. I'll have to see when I get home what the manufacturer is and google it. I dont remember where I bought it online.

[Rusty]

Metrocast will be next when I get done with them. Read this article to see what I mean: http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/11/news...d=hp-stack-dom

[gokart-mozart]

Originally Posted by beaner

I also do not understand why our town officials keep locking us into (7-10) multi-year contracts that allow Metrocast to impose double-digit rate increases year after year. Who is doing the negotiating?

In the case of politicians awarding contracts that guarantee income to interested parties, it's always a good idea to follow the money.

[Lmurphy]

We just changed all our TV's over to digital so we would not need boxes. It was bad enough when they started charging fees for each month when you are seasonal. NOW THIS...so frustrating.

[wifi]

Originally Posted by Lmurphy

We just changed all our TV's over to digital so we would not need boxes. It was bad enough when they started charging fees for each month when you are seasonal. NOW THIS...so frustrating.

If they are "encrypting" and not just switching all analog to digital, you will still need their box to decrypt it. It will be interesting to see what they are really doing.

[BroadHopper]

I guess they are expecting everyone to have enough space behind their TV to tack the black box on. It will be a PITA to remove a 60" built in TV to do so. Especially when you are single!

All the channels have changed to triple digits. Can you imagine the confusion it will create for the mentally challenged?

Metrocast says 'Get over it'!

[longislander]

Time Warner (Spectrum, after Charter buyout) now has TWC TV thru devices like Roku. Been using Roku boxes for years. Not a "cord-cutter" yet, though.

It works well. You'll need enough Mbps (I've got the 50 Mbps) and you still have to be a subscriber.

"TWC TV® app -- not just for phone and tablet
Several people can watch different shows on different devices at the same time. Sign in to the TWC TV® app on devices such as Kindle Fire, Roku, Xbox and Samsung Smart TV.

Kindle Fire HD & HDX | Roku | Samsung Smart TV | Xbox One | Xbox 360 "


https://www.timewarnercable.com/en/t...e.html#devices


The real issue, in my view, is "broadband" v. "cable". Different Fed. and state laws/regulations stifle competition.

[BroadHopper]

Unfortunately TWC TV is not available on my smart TV. May need to by a ROKU stick.

[longislander]

Laconia has a Metrocast franchise and a Roku wouldn't help getting TWC.

http://www.city.laconia.nh.us/upload...0Franchise.pdf

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...C-III-53-C.htm

Don't know if your smart TV has Roku built-in. I've got the box. The box will stream with just about anything. Actually, I had Showtime thru TWC and canceled it. Subscribed to Showtime on Roku and it was a bit less/month. Also didn't have HBO on TWC, but subscribed on Roku (HBO NOW)

Unlike HBO GO, HBO NOW does not require a cable or satellite TV subscription. HBO NOW and HBO GO have the same great content; unlimited access to all of HBO - every episode, every season - plus hit movies, sports, documentaries, and comedy specials. Find out more about HBO NOW at order.HBONOW.com.

What is HBO NOW, and how is it different from HBO GO? – HBO GO

https://help.hbogo.com/hc/en-us

https://www.cnet.com/products/tcl-s3...-roku-tv-2015/

[Slickcraft]

We have a Metrocast provided digital terminal adapter (DTA) provided to us for an analog TV when they converted to all digital. The recent letter indicates that having a DTA hooked to a TV will allow reception of the encrypted channels.

So as a trial I hooked it up a DTA to a digital TV to see if there was an impact on appearance. As I expected, the output is a 4:3 aspect ratio for analog TVs not the standard digital TV 16:9. I can set the TV to convert the 4:3 to 16:9 with some distortion. Also with the TVs digital tuner I can select 9-1 or 9-2, for example, but not so with the DTA. It looks like using their DTA to solve the encryption issue will result in reduced quality as well as loss of sub-channel options.

ROKU options? you can use the Sling TV app on ROKU to get a good selection of live TV for $20/month.
https://www.sling.com/service

And with your phone and Google Cast you can stream live CH 9 news.

[wifi]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Unfortunately TWC TV is not available on my smart TV. May need to by a ROKU stick.

As I stated in post #3, you can only access TW TV app on a Roku type device, on your home TWC IP (IFF you have one).