Changes are underway for some cable television subscribers, as Mediacom announced recently it will phase out the remaining channels of analog bandwidth used to deliver television reception to its customers using non-digital televisions. The change will result in digital-only reception for the entire lineup, including local broadcast television channels, according to a news release.
Beginning in May and continuing through early June, Mediacom will make the switch affecting reception on older-model televisions not connected to a Mediacom cable converter (set-top box) or DVR. Those customers who simply connect a TV to the cable wall plate will need a small device called a digital adapter (HD DTA) to convert digital video signals into a signal that can be received and displayed on an older, non-digital TV.
The change affects Local Plus channels, 2-22 and 97. While most customers use a converter or a DVR on one or more primary TVs, many households use other TVs in a spare bedroom, basement or other areas. Digital adapters will be needed if those are older, non-digital televisions. Through May 2016, Mediacom will provide customers with up to three free digital adapters, according to the news release. An equipment fee of $1.99 will be applied for adapters beyond the limit of three, and for all adapters in use after May 31, 2016 (equipment lease for non-HD DTA is $0.99).
Mediacom officials describe the change as one that will replace a "fat" analog signal with a thin digital signal to free up bandwidth for use in other ways. For years, Mediacom has used a simulcast to deliver both analog and digital signals for channels 2-22 and 97.
"We completed a digital upgrade on a larger scale in Mid-Missouri in 2012, and customers quickly saw the benefits because we increased residential Internet speeds to 150 Mbps and doubled our high-definition (HD) channel lineup," said Steve Bennett, Mediacom's area operations director for Missouri, in the news release. "Similarly, this upgrade will repurpose additional bandwidth to expand our fiber network to deliver more broadband-dependent services and even faster Internet speeds."
Customers are encouraged to get adapters to connect to non-digital televisions, and can do so by visiting Mediacom service centers in Jefferson City or Columbia. Orders also can be placed by phone or online, with complete adapter "kits" shipped for free to customer homes. The toll-free phone number is 1-800-479-2095, and the website is MediacomCable.com/getdigital.
Digital adapters are not needed on televisions connected to Mediacom digital converters (larger cable set-top boxes). The upgrade affects Mediacom customers in Columbia, Holts Summit, Jefferson City, and surrounding areas of Boone, Cole and Callaway counties.