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TV provider's digital move draws spectrum of response

| June 2, 2018 1:00 AM

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Spectrum TV's upcoming move on Tuesday to an all-digital network is touted by the company as a "path for future innovation," but that picture isn't so clear for some customers.

Spectrum has been notifying its customers here for about a month that they need a Spectrum digital receiver for each of their TVs, if they don't already have one.

"After the digital conversion is complete, customers who have not acquired a receiver will see a message instructing them on how to get the necessary equipment," said Bret Picciolo, director of Northwest communications for Charter Communications, adding that the picture will be lost on all channels.

Customers can obtain receivers at no cost for one, two or five years, depending on the customer's programming package and other qualifying factors, at Spectrum, 2305 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. after June 15) and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

They can also have the receivers sent to their home by visiting spectrum.com/DigitalNow or by calling 844-278-3409.

"There is no cost to this conversion," said Picciolo, adding that there will be no additional charge to monthly programming.

He said after the initial free periods are over, those receiving a Spectrum TV package will be charged an additional $6.99 per month for each receiver.

"The receivers are only needed if your TV is plugged directly into the wall," Picciolo said. "If you already have a cable box on your TV, you don't need to do anything. Many of our customers will not be affected by this at all."

However, Coeur d'Alene's Barb Zimmer said she's skeptical about the conversion.

"I don't like the philosophy," she said. "They asked me how my TV reception is. I said fine, but they said I still have to have this. They've got every single customer over a barrel. You have no choice. This is a big company dictating to customers."

Zimmer thought that maybe she wouldn't have to acquire a receiver since her TV was manufactured in 2014, but Picciolo said the age of the TV doesn't matter.

Zimmer said she worries about how those on low incomes will be able to eventually shoulder the additional monthly cost.

Tom Rutledge, Charter Communications chairman and CEO, said customers will soon enjoy access to more than 80 additional high-definition channels and advanced program guide, search and parental control functions.

"By going all-digital in Coeur d'Alene and removing analog signals, we free up capacity in our network for faster internet speeds, more HD and On Demand options and pave a path for future innovation," he said.

Picciolo said analog signals are inefficient.

"A single analog channel takes up the same amount of capacity on our network as three or four HD channels or up to 12 digital channels," he said. "For years we have provided both analog and digital as a courtesy for our customers who haven't adopted digital."

Picciolo shared the following offers on the digital conversion:

- Those who currently receive Starter TV are eligible to receive two free receivers for two years.

- Starter TV customers who qualify for Medicaid may receive two free receivers for up to five years.

- Customers currently receiving Standard TV are eligible to receive two free receivers for one year.

- Customers currently on digital service tiers may receive one free receiver for one year.

"Customers should call or visit a nearby Spectrum store to speak with a representative to confirm the offer available to them," Picciolo said.

The receivers come with self-installation kits.

"I would imagine that most of our customers would have no problem self-installing," Picciolo said. "It's very easy to do. But, if you need assistance, we can walk you through it by phone."

If a technician is needed, the installation cost is $29.99.

Picciolo said when Spectrum purchased Time Warner Cable two years ago, customers had the option of switching to Spectrum TV or remaining with the existing pricing. Some of those who stuck with the same package may need to switch to digital.

Picciolo declined to say how many customers Spectrum has in this area, citing competition reasons.