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

[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

[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.

[phoenix]

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

[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. 🐻

[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

[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!

[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.

[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).

[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.

[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.

[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).

[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

[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.

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by Rusty

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

If it's a non-Metrocast DVR (like a TiVo, for instance) and it already has a Metrocast cable card, it should continue to work just fine.

[HomeWood]

I was born in 1979 and grew up without cable until I moved out at age 21. I had the choice of 8 Boston channels: 2, 4, 5, 7, 25, 38, 44, and 56. DVR was setting the VCR timer and channel. I'm only 36 but it amazes me where TV has come these days. Now cable is starting to seem outdated to me.

What is outdated to me are the large channel packages where you only wanted 4 or 5 on top of the local stuff. The lack of options. If my parents knew how to stream with smart TV's and what not, we'd cut the cable at the lake.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by TMI Guy

If it's a non-Metrocast DVR (like a TiVo, for instance) and it already has a Metrocast cable card, it should continue to work just fine.

The DVR did come from Metrocast, so no problem there. The question of timing doesn't affect us, but according to the info Metrocast sent, if people need additional equipment it can be obtained at no fee up thru some time in February 2017. If you are a snowbird and are several hundred miles from the summer camp, it makes it difficult to obtain the needed add-ons. If you wait till spring it seems there will be a charge. I don't know if Metrocast would send the needed equipment to Florida or other states. If yes, that also means the snowbird has to "schlep" the equipment back to NH in the spring.

[Merrymeeting]

They are finally reacting (albeit late) to competition. I went from a one-room, Metrocast DVR to a whole-house DVR with TDS, for less cost.

Not to mention many other services at lower prices.

Competition is good...

[Outdoorsman]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

They are finally reacting (albeit late) to competition. I went from a one-room, Metrocast DVR to a whole-house DVR with TDS, for less cost.

Not to mention many other services at lower prices.

Competition is good...

May I ask.... Who are the competitors for Metrocast? I have been trying to dump them for quite awhile but it seems they are still the Monopoly.

[songkrai]

One word: KODI

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by Outdoorsman

May I ask.... Who are the competitors for Metrocast? I have been trying to dump them for quite awhile but it seems they are still the Monopoly.

At least in Alton and New Durham... TDS

[Lakeboater]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

At least in Alton and New Durham... TDS

TDS isn't everywhere in Alton. They have new fiber running in certain spots of Alton but in some areas they are not going to provide service....unfortunately.

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by Lakeboater

TDS isn't everywhere in Alton. They have new fiber running in certain spots of Alton but in some areas they are not going to provide service....unfortunately.

Yes our section of West Alton is served by FairPoint (formally Verizon) and not by TDS. The only way that we would have an alternative to Metrocast is if FairPoint suddenly offered quality high speed service here. Not likely anytime soon.

[Fargo]

Just plugged in the new boxes but struggled over an hour trying to set up the remote before I called the customer service #. Her instructions to me were no where like what was included with the equipment. Just a heads up to anyone who spends more than 5 minutes fooling with the remote, call their customer service, leave a call back number and not stay on hold. Brittany at Metrocast could not have been more pleasant. FYI

[cunninghorgan]

I'm glad I was poking around this forum while I was on a conference call today. We live in Meredith, do not have a set top box, and never received any notification about this from MetroCast. Now I'm on hold with their customer service department... with a higher than normal call volume.

[longislander]

Yes our section of West Alton is served by FairPoint (formally Verizon) and not by TDS. The only way that we would have an alternative to Metrocast is if FairPoint suddenly offered quality high speed service here. Not likely anytime soon.

Fairpoint broadband is DSL, not "Cable". Verizon offers/offered limited FIOS ("cable") in limited areas.

Your town would still have to"franchise" competition (see RSA 53-C). Competition is not going to string new lines (fiber) throughput the town ... cost prohibitive. Reason for limited competition.

Wireless broadband, fixed and mobile, could/would provide another way for high speed broadband. See "streaming"; e.g. recent AT&T and potential buyout of Time Warner (needs gov.'t approvals).

Cable and broadband are not "regulated" the same way.


http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...3-C/53-C-2.htm

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by longislander

Fairpoint broadband is DSL, not "Cable". Verizon offers/offered limited FIOS ("cable") in limited areas.

Fairpoint does offer FIOS to commercial customers. O'Shea's Industrial Park and commercial customers downtown Laconia has Fairpoint 'cable'.

Fairpoint don't offer FIOS to residential customers. With the exception of customers along the seacoast that originally had FIOS from Verizon. They continue to have a subscription.

Original intent of Verizon is to offer FIOS to all customers. That was the original deal when Fairpoint took over. It was settled out of court that it will not be the case. =(

[Fargo]

My neighbor just stopped by. He informed me that the new remote controls the channels but my old remote is needed to adjust the picture brightness etc. good thing he stopped by because I was getting ready to trash my old remote. FYI save your old remote. I didn't see that info anywhere in the instructions. Geez

[longislander]

FIOS was too expensive to install for residential, other than densely populated areas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verizon_Fios

3. FIOS was an experiment to begin with, and Verizon found out it was even more expensive to implement than they had planned. That's why there is no more planned build-out of FIOS services; it is only available in areas where it is already installed.

https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-I.../687221/page/2

Even when I worked (now retired) for Verizon/Fairpoint (17 years), cost was controversial. My nephew was one of the crack FIOS installers, before going into phone company "management".

It was/is a good product, however.

[Taz]

Has anyone noticed poor picture after connecting one of these adapters? Much better picture before adapter, color looks washed out, any writing like sports scores look fuzzy, called Metrocast and suggested using another HDMI port or maybe HDMI cable is poor, HDMI cable comes with adapter.

[longislander]

Just noticed: RE: Remote Control Extenders

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ij_Fa7jtOY

I'd used one of the following, quite a while back.

http://www.terk.com/docs/common/LFIRX/LFIRX_OM.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/Terk-Leapfrog.../dp/B000069EV0

[Woodsy]

Taz....

1. Make sure you connect with an HDMI cable.... I used HDMI 1 port on my tv.

2. Check your TV settings for the HDMI port...

3. Make sure you go to the correct HD channels.... Ch 9 is low def... but Ch709 is the HD version.

The only thing that really sucks (other than the upcoming rental fee for a silly $25 box) is the channel guide is not digital... you still have to go to CH 8 to see what is scheduled!


Woodsy

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Taz

Has anyone noticed poor picture after connecting one of these adapters? Much better picture before adapter, color looks washed out, any writing like sports scores look fuzzy, called Metrocast and suggested using another HDMI port or maybe HDMI cable is poor, HDMI cable comes with adapter.

When you use the HDMI cable it probably changed the pictue quality settings. You will have to use your TV remote to set them back to what you had before using the set-top box.
Make sure that the energy saving setting is off because your TV will go dim when it is on.

Also after you attach the set-top box don't use your TV remote to change channels because your TV needs to stay on channel 3 for the box to work.

FUN, FUN, FUN!

[eyenotall777]

Can anyone tell me that got or changed over to TDS if Internet ONLY was an option for you?

Thank you

[RUGMAN]

yes it's hard to believe that in todays day and age you still have to go to channel 8 and look at the upcoming shows, I end up almost asleep waiting to see whats on.
Back home with comcast you can see anytime whats going to be on. When will metro cast get with the technology.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by RUGMAN

yes it's hard to believe that in todays day and age you still have to go to channel 8 and look at the upcoming shows, I end up almost asleep waiting to see whats on.
Back home with comcast you can see anytime whats going to be on. When will metro cast get with the technology.

When you pay them the extra bucks for a full-fledged set-top-box that gives you the interactive user guide.

That's the whole scam the cable companies are running in the charges for set-top-boxes, a monopoly that will hopefully end soon with industry standardization and competition.

[wifi]

Originally Posted by RUGMAN

yes it's hard to believe that in todays day and age you still have to go to channel 8 and look at the upcoming shows, I end up almost asleep waiting to see whats on.

Try this:

http://www.aol.com/video/guide/tv/

[BroadHopper]

Call Metrocast a number of times to register the DTA for technologically challenged folks yesterday. The message says the system is down. Good thing they did not start scrambling the channels.

Replace my HD DTA with another one. The signal is the same as before 1040 SD rather then 1040i. Dolby Stereo rather than 5.1. Even with a Best Buy 'gold' HDMI cable, TV reset and on the HDMI(DVI) 1 socket.

I've been using the Roku stick for most of my video last month. Notice my streaming keep losing connections. Netflix and others blamed it on Metrocast slowing the streaming down when you reach a 250 GB monthly limit. Netflix pointed me to a metrocast site that shows usage. http://portal.metrocast.net/usagemeter/

Call Metrocast and they deny slowing down the internet speed. The website is just FYI and the 250GB is just a reference.

Hopefully there will be competition soon. Fairpoint will be a formidable player if they adopt the g.fast technology. http://money.cnn.com/2016/05/16/tech...eds/index.html

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by wifi

Try this:

http://www.aol.com/video/guide/tv/

I use to use the Peel remote app on my smartphone to get my TV listing and to control the TV. https://www.peel.com/

Unfortunately I can't get it to work with the DTA. But I still use it for TV listing.

Another note. Many elderlies have the large button remote with back light. I tried setting them up to control the DTA. Can't get them to work. Oh the horror!

[BroadHopper]

I hit the 250 GB limit fairly early using the Roku stick. Guess my plan to eliminate the tv subscription and replace it with the more economical roku stick is futile.
Metrocast gets you coming or going. They actually throttle the speed down to almost nonresistance but still allow you access. For more information see https://www.metrocast.com/policies/h...ble-use-policy

Excessive bandwidth consumption,

[wifi]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I hit the 250 GB limit fairly early using the Roku stick. Guess my plan to eliminate the tv subscription and replace it with the more economical roku stick is futile.
Metrocast gets you coming or going. They actually throttle the speed down to almost nonresistance but still allow you access. For more information see https://www.metrocast.com/policies/h...ble-use-policy

Excessive bandwidth consumption,

Wow, TW is unlimited. How about investigating if you can get a business account, are they limited ?

[BroadHopper]

Talked to internet subscribers of TDS and GSI (Granite State Internet). Both are located in remote areas, Chichester and Weare NH.

Both have high speed internet over copper wires. The companies do not call then DSL but rather fiber net. Both customers have 25+ mbps with no limits.
They are very happy with their ISP. The customers told me they have a rather large white modem which has a battery back up installed inside their home!
Not sure why a modem will have battery back up but sounds like a plan.

I just called Fairpoint and they now offer 25+ mbps fiber net in my area (Laconia). Funny, I called a month ago and at the time 5mbps was the limit.

Fairpoint claim unlimited use of data. 25+ is about $10 a month cheaper than Metrocast comparable plan. Plus Fairpoint will lock in the rate for 4 years.

Just wondering if I should make the switch. Has anyone have any experience switching from cable to fiber net?

[longislander]

Pays to shop around ... and even more importantly ... pays to ask around.

Fiber, as opposed to copper, is universally accepted as the better connection; two-pair-wire of DSL v. glass etc.

DSL is more "distance from the CO" dependent; further away, to slower speed. There are many improvements on-going, however.

25 Mbps is much better than 3-6 Mbps, but in light of gigabit speeds, remains relative to the user.


https://www.fairpoint.com/document/F...cm12-23102.pdf


Gfast and 5G speeds, on the horizon, may be other factors to be considered.

[shifthappens]

I'm currently subscribed to AT&T but when I move they have a 'transfer' program. When I contacted AT&T to ask if they serve the Laconia area they told me 'yes'. Can anyone confirm this? They have been good for me since I've had them here but will have to find new service when I relocate to the area next July. Thanks.

[shifthappens]

Can anyone tell me if AT&T/DirecTV services the Laconia area? Thank you.

[longislander]

YUP!

https://www.att.com/directv/packages.html


https://www.att.com/shop/unified/ava...=WBFC_REFERRAL


https://www.att.com/local/tv/new-hampshire/laconia/

http://www.attexperts.com/new-hampshire/laconia

[Old Hubbard Rd]

I can not take this crap!! I just turned my Metrocast service off and dropped off the boxes. It is so annoying that cable/sat etc providers require external boxes. With technology today everything should be built in. Why do we need more wires and cables etc? I hope the kids can live with the smart tv and Netflicks!

[longislander]

cable/sat etc providers

I hope you've got/kept an ISP for a broadband or internet connection!

[BroadHopper]

Or one of the streaming sticks.

I am dabbling with sling TV and Amazon Prime. I am very happy with the selection. I am about to cut the video subscription until I found out about the 250 GB @ mth limit. I reach that point toward the end of the month using the Roku stick.

I am looking at Fairpoint for ISP. Fairpoint claim 25+mbps is possible in my area but not guarantee. They did say if everyone in the association commit to Fairpoint they can make it happen in the association with equipment. I'm trying to convince the owners.

[longislander]

I hope the kids can live with the smart tv and Netflicks!

Most smart TV's have "streaming" with Amazon, Netflicks, VuDu, Google TV, etc. already built-in.

Fairpoint, offering residential internet, is constrained to that technology; the present problem being closeness to the "CO". FRP Business has higher speeds.

Maybe your Association can make a deal with FRP to put a "box" somewhere in your association, if needed.

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/4676

[wifi]

It would be nice if Fairpoint had a tool on their site, like Verizon had, that you can find out what DSL speed is available at your location. It would save calling in and listening to sales pitches and follow up calls. It might even boost their customer base, because I used to check regularly to find out if they upgraded service.

[longislander]

If you see an FRP repairman/repairwoman, ask them to check. It's been done on our road. One of my neighbors who is on VPN with his employer, did after being frustrated with not getting correct info from the FRP Maine offices, who check with the engineers, on what is supposed to be available.

I was the neighbor getting much higher speeds than my neighbor down the road from my neighbor. I'm closer to the CO.

I now use Time Warner @ 50 Mbps with no data cap. I, actually, even dropped FRP for phone, using Voice-over-IP from the cable box. Caveat: if you buy a cable box, same box as your ISP, the phone piece is proprietary and the phone will not work. Also, if you lose power, and if you don't use the battery back-up in the cable box, you don't have phone service. Cell phones negate that problem, however.

I'm also a potential "cable Cutter", a mentioned by another forum member. The DVR is an issue that I wasn't happy with ... yet.

Maybe Gfast will come along faster than expected.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G.fast

[shifthappens]

Wow, so sorry to hear about the various service problems with your providers. Where I currently live we only have 2 choices. It's either ComCast or AT&T/DirecTV. Since my landlord won't allow a dish I have to go with AT&T. Had ComCast and didn't like their customer service. Anyway, I asked a few posts ago if AT&T was available in your area and I got a yes response. I noticed that no one has mentioned AT&T and I was wondering if that's one I should stay away from since you seem to have several other choices. AT&T has some program that is for relocation and I initially thought that would be a great way to go but now I am wondering if anyone knows about their service where you are. Thanks for any response and sorry to make such a lengthy post.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by shifthappens

Wow, so sorry to hear about the various service problems with your providers. Where I currently live we only have 2 choices. It's either ComCast or AT&T/DirecTV. Since my landlord won't allow a dish I have to go with AT&T. Had ComCast and didn't like their customer service. Anyway, I asked a few posts ago if AT&T was available in your area and I got a yes response. I noticed that no one has mentioned AT&T and I was wondering if that's one I should stay away from since you seem to have several other choices. AT&T has some program that is for relocation and I initially thought that would be a great way to go but now I am wondering if anyone knows about their service where you are. Thanks for any response and sorry to make such a lengthy post.

The FCC prohibit landlords and HOA from allowing disks and antennas outside your unit. A unit owner fought for this at my HOA.

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides...tellite-dishes

[Rusty]

Rec'd this notice of mores changes in January 2017:

[ishoot308]

I must be the only one who likes Metrocast or at least their internet service. (I have my TV service through Dish network)

In the two years I have had them not once has their ultra service been below their advertised 75 mbps at least when direct connected and now they are going to up it to 150 mbps, whats not to like! I am going to assume that at some point the price will go up as well for the added service.

I have never lost service for any reason except when lightning struck my home and fried the modem and a couple other electronic items. I have found them easy to get in touch with and responsive to questions or any issues I may have.

I cannot even come close to saying the same about Fairpoint!!

Happy with Metrocast!

Dan

[Barney Bear]

We have been very satisfied with our bundle service at our cottage on East Bear Island. Internet speed is not important in our situation. We have our seasonal service turned off and on with a single phone call. 🐻 💤

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I must be the only one who likes Metrocast or at least their internet service. (I have my TV service through Dish network)

In the two years I have had them not once has their ultra service been below their advertised 75 mbps at least when direct connected and now they are going to up it to 150 mbps, whats not to like! I am going to assume that at some point the price will go up as well for the added service.

I have never lost service for any reason except when lightning struck my home and fried the modem and a couple other electronic items. I have found them easy to get in touch with and responsive to questions or any issues I may have.

I cannot even come close to saying the same about Fairpoint!!

Happy with Metrocast!

Dan

Maybe Rusty will copy the reverse side of what he just posted which has the 2017 rates. I understand liking Metrocast in comparison to Fairpoint DSL. What I liked about switching to TDS was the increase in Internet speed (up near 100 mbps), far more HD channels with TDS, and not needing a wired box for the TV's, all while saving over $30 per month in the process. While our Internet speeds were fairly constant with the advertised, its reliability was a little suspect.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Maybe Rusty will copy the reverse side of what he just posted which has the 2017 rates.

Sure...the quality of the form isn't good because that is how it was sent to me.

But here it is:

[wifi]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

In the two years I have had them not once has their ultra service been below their advertised 75 mbps at least when direct connected and now they are going to up it to 150 mbps, whats not to like!...

Amazing they ran fiber to the island, what a loss leader for them, but I am happy for you.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by wifi

Amazing they ran fiber to the island, what a loss leader for them, but I am happy for you.

Not to the island, to my home on the mainland in Gilford. Stuck with fairpoint on the island!!

Dan