Upcoming on BHN

[patters000]

FYI, I used BHN's default contact page for what's coming up on their HDTV offerings, and not much is known (I specifically asked them about NBC):


My name is Alicia, Marketing Coordinator for Bright House Networks. I am here to assist you with all questions and concerns you may have. Bright House Networks appreciates your inquiry regarding HDTV.

We are excited about this new technology and, as you know, we currently offer the local network FOX in Enhanced Digital and ABC, PBS and Discovery HD Theater in high definition on our digital service at no additional charge to our digital customers. We also provide high definition format for HBO and Showtime. These two channels are available to our HBO and Showtime customers at no additional charge.

We have provided all the local networks, such as NBC, with the same contract for their high definition signal. It has not been executed by all networks. We are not permitted to carry a network signal without a contract.

We appreciate your interest in high definition programming. Bright House Networks will continue to work to provide you the latest programming and technology available.

[Harry]

Well they certainly have not said anything new to you. They have been saying pretty much the same thing for over a year. I sure hope they finally get it done but I am not holding my breath.

[Bucoholic]

Hello Wanda and Shelly,

I am checking on any new developments in regards to ESPN-HD and CBS or any other HD service. Football season is almost here and a lot of BHN HDTV Subscribers are getting worried that we will have to switch to Direct TV for our HD Football needs.

Circuit City and Direct TV have started a new program in the Tampa market. They are leasing HDTV receivers instead of the customers having to dish out the $500 to $700 for the receivers. This is very appealing to us HD people as we are not getting any information from BHN. I have been a loyal customer for 12 years and I would hate to leave but I don't feel that we are asking for a lot. If Orlando can make the agreements (not including ESPN-HD) with the companies why can't Tampa/St.Pete? You will have a large number of cancellations around the 7th of September if no information is provided.

[ciscoguru66]

Bucaholic - good letter, short and to the point. I'm interested in how they respond and if they mention the D* offer. You'd think that would wake them up. Myself, I don't think I'll wait till the 7th to switch. I'll be switching over by the end of august if they don't have CBS.

[Bucoholic]

Hello Wanda and Shelly,

I am checking on any new developments in regards to ESPN-HD and CBS or any other HD service. Football season is almost here and a lot of BHN HDTV Subscribers are getting worried that we will have to switch to Direct TV for our HD Football needs.

Circuit City and Direct TV have started a new program in the Tampa market. They are leasing HDTV receivers instead of the customers having to dish out the $500 to $700 for the receivers. This is very appealing to us HD people as we are not getting any information from BHN. I have been a loyal customer for 12 years and I would hate to leave but I don't feel that we are asking for a lot. If Orlando can make the agreements (not including ESPN-HD) with the companies why can't Tampa/St.Pete? You will have a large number of cancellations around the 7th of September if no information is provided.

Reply:

Hello Bucoholic,

We are presently negotiating with the HD Networks you mentioned and, from what I understand, are getting close to agreements. I am so sorry that I cannot provide you with any definite information at this time, however, if I hear anything before Sept. 7, I will email you.

Sincerely,

Wanda Dunn
Marketing Manager
Bright House Networks
Pinellas County, FL

So to sum up. Nothing new. :(

[weavermd]

Less than two weeks and counting! If I don't AT LEAST see CBS by Sept. 1st, I am off to the Direct TV lease package. It MAY require the addition of ESPN-HD as well.

Still hope to hear more from the new lease customers (supajeff, et al). Are the Direct TV people responsive to your OTA needs and changing antennas if needed for you to get ALL of the channels?

The clock is ticking ..........and the light that is making my house "Bright" is beginning to flicker!

[Hop]

I also am waiting patiently for ESPN-HD and CBS since sports TV is fantastic in HD.

However, I have another problem with BHN. Their In-Demand service has been pitiful on the weekends. For the last six weeks, any time I try to get an In-Demand show late on a Friday or Saturday night, I get an error. This happens with Pay per View, HBO on demand, Cinimax on demand, Movie Channel on demand and Showtime on demand. The error codes are different on different services but none of them work. During the week, they work ok.

[passedpawn]

Wanda is alright. I have emailed her at least 10 times in the last 2 years, always regarding the HD content, and she has always replied instantly with something... not always the answer I wanted. Most times, I got the Magic 8 Ball "Ask Again Later" response. At least she responds.

My last email threatened that I would go to DirectTV if they did not pick up the rest of the locals and ESPN by Sept. 8. I am now thinking this was an idle threat, but I really meant it at the time. I do think they will come through, eventually. They are one of the most progressive cable co's, except for their tardy acceptance of the new ESPN-HD.

[Hop]

It seems that BHN and finally upgraded the software for their In-Demand programming. Everyting is working fine now.