Metrocast change

HomeWood · 10-06-2016, 11:29 AM

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 · 10-06-2016, 08:30 PM

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 · 10-07-2016, 08:05 AM

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 · 10-07-2016, 09:33 AM

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 · 10-12-2016, 08:03 AM

Quote:

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 · 10-19-2016, 04:33 PM

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 · 10-19-2016, 07:55 PM

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 · 10-19-2016, 08:53 PM

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 · 10-20-2016, 01:13 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-20-2016, 01:40 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-20-2016, 03:13 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-20-2016, 03:58 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-21-2016, 08:55 AM

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 · 10-21-2016, 02:16 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-21-2016, 06:07 PM

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 · 10-21-2016, 06:36 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-21-2016, 06:40 PM

One word: KODI

Merrymeeting · 10-21-2016, 07:48 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-22-2016, 09:09 AM

Quote:

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 · 10-22-2016, 09:47 AM

Quote:

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 · 10-24-2016, 02:13 PM

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

longislander · 10-24-2016, 02:29 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-24-2016, 03:41 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-24-2016, 04:41 PM

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

cunninghorgan · 10-24-2016, 02:21 PM

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.

10-06-2016, 11:29 AM	#1
HomeWood Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Clayton,NC / Sanbornton,NH Posts: 611 Thanks: 126 Thanked 137 Times in 75 Posts	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. Last edited by HomeWood; 10-06-2016 at 12:59 PM.

10-06-2016, 08:30 PM	#2
greeleyhill Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 94 Thanks: 57 Thanked 22 Times in 11 Posts	We just had the service done today... 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...

10-07-2016, 08:05 AM	#3
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,589 Thanks: 3,230 Thanked 1,107 Times in 797 Posts	At the Belmont office yesterday, 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. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

10-07-2016, 09:33 AM	#4
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	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). __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

10-19-2016, 04:33 PM	#6
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	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. __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

10-19-2016, 07:55 PM	#7
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,173 Thanks: 206 Thanked 437 Times in 253 Posts	We shall see 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.

The Following User Says Thank You to jeffk For This Useful Post:
Rusty (10-19-2016)

10-19-2016, 08:53 PM	#8
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	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. __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

The Following User Says Thank You to P-3 Guy For This Useful Post:
Rusty (10-20-2016)

10-21-2016, 08:55 AM	#13
HomeWood Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Clayton,NC / Sanbornton,NH Posts: 611 Thanks: 126 Thanked 137 Times in 75 Posts	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.

10-21-2016, 06:07 PM	#15
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	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...

10-21-2016, 06:40 PM	#17
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 733 Thanks: 35 Thanked 147 Times in 99 Posts	One word: KODI

The Following User Says Thank You to songkrai For This Useful Post:
gator8 (04-23-2017)

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upthesaukee (10-22-2016)

10-24-2016, 02:13 PM	#21
Fargo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lake Winni Posts: 215 Thanks: 36 Thanked 130 Times in 38 Posts	Remote 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

10-24-2016, 04:41 PM	#24
Fargo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lake Winni Posts: 215 Thanks: 36 Thanked 130 Times in 38 Posts	Remote update 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

10-24-2016, 02:21 PM	#25
cunninghorgan Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 11 Thanks: 4 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	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.