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With Spectrum going digital, calls and concerns arise

Spectrum customers who don’t have a set-top box connected to their televisions are seeing nothing but snow on their screens.

It’s due to the recent conversion by the cable company from analog to all-digital that initiated last week in the city.

Televisions with cable boxes shouldn’t be affected by the change, according to Spectrum. But customers whose TVs are connected via a cable to the back of the set will need to obtain some kind of digital equipment such as a set-top box or a streaming device such as Roku.

First Ward Councilman Don Williams Jr. said he’s received numerous calls from city residents who are trying to figure out what do regarding the change.

Williams asked the mayor and city attorney if the city could speak with Spectrum to see if they could offer assistance with the boxes or if they can offer a basic, cheaper package.

Long ago, Williams said a basic cable package was offered for those who wanted only a few channels. But that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.

“There’s people who are interested in getting the basic but they don’t offer it,” Williams said. “Is there any way that the city can get into discussions with them? Are we currently under contract with them?”

Mayor Willie Rosas responded by stating that they could reach out to Spectrum. However, he said he couldn’t guarantee that the company is going to play ball with the city.

“It can’t hurt to reach out,” Rosas said.

City Attorney Richard Morrisroe said they’d have to examine what’s in the contract with the city and see if there’s any room for negotiation.

Williams said he received a half dozen calls just prior to the switch to all-digital. In the weeks since the transition, Williams said he’s received around 20 calls from residents.

Spectrum says the upgrade to all-digital allows them to offer more high-definition channels while enabling future enhancements such as more on demand choices. Spectrum says customers in areas affected should have been notified by mail advising them of the change and the need to obtain a box. Commercials have also run regarding the switch.

As for the cost to obtain a new box, customers could be paying as much as $11.75 per month for the box. Some customers may be eligible for a free box, but it’s based on the cable package they have. And it’s free for a limited time.

Spectrum users have the ability to access their programming by using the Spectrum app. People can utilize the app through certain streaming devices like Roku or Xbox One gaming console. High-speed internet is required, however, in order for it work.

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