CABLE BOX REVISITED

Hi All,
I received the following set of questions by Email, I have redacted the source for privacy purposes. The questions may no doubt be of interest to all, as they reflect some misunderstanding of the rollout and our Cable contract.
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It would be helpful if you answered some of the questions regarding boxes for cable users. Initially we were told we did not need a box!

You do not need a box if you do not care about the additional "on-demand" programming. Since all unit owners are paying the Bulk Cable monthly fee through their Associations budgets, it would make sense to try it.

Q) Is it true that the first box we get free as long as we arrange delivery before the end of January?

A) Yes, the first box, acquired by way of the January Registration event is included in our Bulk Contract agreement with Comcast.

Q) Is there a date when there will be changes in programs transmitted to our other TV sets or if we are silent Comcast will continue to transmit current programs??

A) There is no date certain for changes in the channel content, there is however an intent to convert all channels from 32 - 99 to a digital format eventually; and possibly encrypt them.

Q) Is it true each additional box will cost $6.00 a month for the same service we get with the first box? So for my extra 2 TVs it will cost me $144 a year??? Is there an installation charge?

A) Yes, if you get any additional full service converter boxes over the first free one, there is an "additional-outlet" fee assessed of $6.50, plus an installation charge. Thus, it is strongly advised against doing so. Wait for the Digital Terminal Adaptors (DTA) which will come in due course of time. They will be free, up to the first 2 and will insure continued reception of channels 2 - 99 even if there is a conversion to digital.

Q) What stations will we get if we do not RENT extra boxes for other TVs?

A) You will continue to receive the same channels that you received prior to the arrival of the box in CV; with the proviso that Comcast may make changes from time-to-time, and that channels from 32 - 99 may in due course convert to digital format.

Q) I understand we are getting a cable deal worth about $56 but the contract appears to be quite costly for CV residents who own additional TV sets and in addition are losing 2 HBO stations.Why didn't UCO subsidize more of the cable cost?

A) Please do not let Comcast sales persons talk you into additional full service converter boxes; for your additional TVs, as noted above, you will continue to receive Limited Basic and Expanded Basic service on those TV sets; currently some 65+ channels, Be patient and wait for the DTAs.

As to the issue of UCO subsidies; we received a very handsome signing bonus, the exact amount I cannot put on this BLOG as it would violate a confidentiality agreement. Come to UCO and see me for the exact number. The loan that was paid off on the new UCO building may be regarded as a unit owner subsidy as it lowers our payments, additionally every penny (save Attorney fees incurred during contract negotiations and a 15% commission paid to CSI), not encumbered by Taxes; is being returned to the unit owners as a reduction in the monthly cable fee.

Please release this info on the CV web site. Associations and UCO have not released enough info to the residents.
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Please advise if there are any additional questions, I shall include them as well as those above in a UCO Reporter article.

Dave Israel
Cable Chair
VP - UCO