Cable packages - basic/standard/digital???

[JerryIII]

I just got off the phone with BHN. I currently have Digital cable with HBO and Showtime. After looking at the channel line up on their website, http://tampabay.mybrighthouse.com/site/Channels/index.cfm?&lineUpID=22®ionID=1&lineup_action=display_lineup , I decided that I really did not want the digital tier. I rarely, if ever watch anything over 100. I then looked at the packages available, http://tampabay.mybrighthouse.com/site/Products/DigitalCable/Packagedescriptions.cfm , and decided that I just wanted basic + standard cable. When I called BHN I was told that I could not have that package. I could either have Basic or Digital. I tried to explain to the guy on the phone that I was looking at it on the website but he was not hearing it. Is the CSR right? Is it really all or nothing? Or is he full of BS? :evil:


Thanks,
Jerry

[DSquare]

Im not sure how you would be able to get just basic cable (channels 1-21 & 96-99) since when you hook the coax directly to the tv you get channels 1-78. I would think that either the channel line-up is wrong or out-dated. When the csr told you you could have either have the Basic pkg or the Digital pkg, he probably was refering to 'standard' cable.

[JerryIII]

DSquare,
Thanks for the quick reply. The CSR made it very clear that the basic package consisted of channels 1-25 + the HD locals and Discovery HD. So basically he is saying that you cannot get channels 1-99 anymore. You are either stuck with 1-25 or the whole digital package. I happen to think that is a load of crap. It is just another way to increase our cable bill. Damn monopolies. I hpoe this isn't the case. Millerman?

Jerry

[DSquare]

hmm weird. By chance try and call again and see if you can get someone else. That doesnt sound right at all. I have one tv hooked directly into the coax with no set-top convertor and get channels 1-78.

[millerman101]

Jerry, thats BS ...just ask for the PVP, preferred value package which includes stations 1-99...

You dont have to get digital...

Basic....1-25.....something like 13.00...not sure
Standard.....depends where you live is over 30.00 dollars..

[jaymer]

i agree, there ARE 3 packages.
just try another phone call.

[JerryIII]

Thanks guys, I will try another call.

Millerman, With the PVP package do I still get the local HD stations and discovery channel HD?

[millerman101]

NO, you will have to subscribe to the digital tier at least...which will give you those..

[JerryIII]

Ok thanks, I guess I am stuck with the digital package.

[Vail55]

DSquare,
Thanks for the quick reply. The CSR made it very clear that the basic package consisted of channels 1-25 + the HD locals and Discovery HD. So basically he is saying that you cannot get channels 1-99 anymore. You are either stuck with 1-25 or the whole digital package. I happen to think that is a load of crap. It is just another way to increase our cable bill. Damn monopolies. I hpoe this isn't the case. Millerman?

Jerry

I called BHN to see if I could add HD locals to the cable modem they are installing for my Roadrunner internet next week and the CSR told me NO I have to order Digital to receive HD locals! I don't think she is correct. What is the story guys, anyone know? Can I just order basic cable and get my HD locals? How much?
I don't want digital cause I already have Direct tv that I am very happy with( including ESPN HD). I did ask if there was anything new about ESPN HD and she said "still in negotiations"..still is right! Thanks for any input!

[millerman101]

look at the previous posts...its been covered already.....but no you cant.. you must have the preferred value package(standard cable, and at least the digital tier....which requires you have a HD box..

[jaymer]

this has been stated (by me) somewhere in the BHN section before... but for the basic price of $12.95 (approx), AND if you rent the HD box, you can get the 600s channels.

most of the 600s are the broadcast locals, so they are not really charging you for those because you can get the SD versions, so I guess they figure you are entitled to the locals regardless of SD or HD.
DiscHD is a bonus.

this method does NOT make you have to have the digital tier, NOR the HD pack (which would be channels above 702). And since you are not getting HBO/SHO in the basic, of course you won't get 700/701.

good luck
jaymer...

EDIT: hehe, i was typing my longer reply while millerman was typing his.
i think he's wrong... and i'd wager $100 that i'm right (unless there is some exclusion in Bradenton).

[CactusJack]

An article (http://www.sptimes.com/2004/06/28/Business/A_cable_TV_home_run_f.shtml) in the Business section of yesterdays' St. Pete Times (p. 3D) says that Brighthouse also offers something they call a "limited basic" package for $14 per month. The package includes local broadcast channels, public-access channels, Bay News 9, and WGN and WTBS. (Some areas may not include WTBS.)

I wonder how many other "packages" they might offer if you pressed them for information?

Jack

[Vail55]

this has been stated (by me) somewhere in the BHN section before... but for the basic price of $12.95 (approx), AND if you rent the HD box, you can get the 600s channels.

most of the 600s are the broadcast locals, so they are not really charging you for those because you can get the SD versions, so I guess they figure you are entitled to the locals regardless of SD or HD.
DiscHD is a bonus.

this method does NOT make you have to have the digital tier, NOR the HD pack (which would be channels above 702). And since you are not getting HBO/SHO in the basic, of course you won't get 700/701.

good luck
jaymer...

EDIT: hehe, i was typing my longer reply while millerman was typing his.
i think he's wrong... and i'd wager $100 that i'm right (unless there is some exclusion in Bradenton).

Jaymer,
Just spoke to BHN and I swear the CSR is clueless so I had her check with a supervisor who confirmed what she told me. I KNOW she is wrong. The new Hitachi I am waiting for has cable card access. I was told I could NOT get ANY cable programming with the cable card access if I have DTV. It will interfere with my satellite reception!???? I had to completely switch to BHN to get HD channels!!!
If I want the locals in HD I could not even just get basic plus the 600 stations without the digital pkg. I think it depends on what day you call and who is on duty that day! I am keeping DTV and will probably get an HD Tivo and try OTA for locals but it will tough getting CBS from Bradenton. I can't put up a large antenna as I am renting this house. I don't mind paying for locals in HD but I am not going to spend another $70/month and duplicate all my programming. This is ridiculous. I am going to call back again tomorrow, maybe a different supervisor will be there.
Does anyone have BHN locals in HD WITH Direct TV? If so please let me know what pkg. I can refer to.
Thanks guys!
:?

[millerman101]

Vail, no you must subscribe to the digital tier to get the local HD channels


ITS A MUST

[Vail55]

Vail, no you must subscribe to the digital tier to get the local HD channels


ITS A MUST

Millerman,
Yes, you are right. I give up. I am going to try OTA and hope I can receive CBS or get a waiver from Direct TV for that.
The cheapest I can get HD locals form BHN is $56.60/MO! What a rip off and it is NOT cheaper if I get a cable card from them! That is without the premium pak with IN HD etc!
:evil:

[Vail55]

Got a call from BHN from a very competent person -thanks to someone in this Forum, that I really appreciate!
The minimum to receive HD channels (not the HD premium pak w/INHD 1& 2 etc. is as follows:
You must pay $16.95 for Basic channels 1-25 (I think)
$6.95 for equipment rental (BOX)
$7.95 for Digital tier limited
Total $31.85

[paulfolse]

I live in Temple Terrace, FL and presently subscribe to Brighthouse's "Limited Basic" for $11.45. It includes chs. 2 through 25 plus 98 and 99. Five of the channels are available in HD, and I wanted to begin receiving those five channels in HD. I read in this forum all the confusion as to what is needed to receive local channels in HD. I called Brighthouse and explained that I wanted to continue the limited basic package and receive the five HD channels in HD. Jim Estes at Brighthouse told me that all I needed to do was rent a HD box for $6.95 per month and that no digital subscription was required. My monthly bill will be $20.69, including fees, taxes.
Brighthouse will install the HD box day after tomorrow, so I'll see if it works. If I have problems, I will post them.

[Dknow]

Why not go to wal mart and buy the USDigital OTA HD-setop box for less than $200.00 and cancel cable all together? It will pay for itself in just a matter of months and you'll be free of that $20.00/month bill plus the taxes that are involved with it.

[bdraw]

Why not go to wal mart and buy the USDigital OTA HD-setop box for less than $200.00 and cancel cable all together? It will pay for itself in just a matter of months and you'll be free of that $20.00/month bill plus the taxes that are involved with it.

Plus you will be able to watch NBC, UPN, and WB in hd as well.