MetroCast transitions to an all-digital channel lineup

ROCHESTER, N.H. - July 22, 2014 - PRLog -- MetroCast Communications, the video, Internet and phone provider serving more than 200 communities in nine states, has begun the process of converting all of its Basic and Expanded Basic channels to an all-digital format for its customers in Maine and Rochester, NH.

The project began July 9.  Each Wednesday during the six-week digital transition, groups of channels cease being provided on an analog basis and become exclusively digital. By August 13, all Basic and Expanded Basic channels will be delivered in the all-digital format for customers in Rochester, NH and Maine.  The Belmont, NH service area is expected to transition to an all-digital lineup starting in early October.

Transitions to all-digital channel lineups already have been completed in MetroCast service areas in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Mississippi.

Digital signals consume less bandwidth than traditional “analog” channels.  As a result, more information can be transmitted within each available channel, and customers ultimately benefit.

“We are excited to provide our customers with a state-of-the-art, all-digital programming lineup,” said Regional General Manager Moira Campbell.  “The conversion to digital will provide superior picture and sound quality, as well as more bandwidth for future enhancements, including the launch of more HD channels, more Video On Demand (VOD), faster Internet speeds, and new advanced products and services.”

Customers will not need special equipment to receive the digital channels if they have a digital television with a QAM tuner or if their TV is equipped with a MetroCast Digital Converter, DVR (Digital Video Recorder), DTA (Digital Terminal Adapter) or CableCARD.

“As the transition is now underway, customers will want to confirm that their TVs are able to receive and process the digital signals because analog will no longer be available,” said Campbell. “We will help guide them through this process and do all that we can to minimize any short-term inconvenience as we transition to digital,” she said.

In order to ease the transition to digital, MetroCast is providing up to two (2) standard definition digital adapters (DTAs) or CableCARDS at no charge and with free shipping.  Additional SD-DTAs, additional CableCARDS, and HD-DTAs are available for an extra charge.

“We encourage customers to contact us by phone (1.800.952.1001) or visit one of our local offices to be sure they have the proper equipment to receive all of their favorite channels,” said Campbell.   The offices are located at 21 Jarvis Avenue, Rochester and 102 Pleasant Street, Springvale, ME.

MetroCast has also established an online FAQ (MetroCast.com/dta) for customers who wish to learn more about the digital transition.

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MetroCast serves residential and business-class customers in 34 New Hampshire/Maine franchise communities with video, high-speed Internet and digital phone service.  MetroCast Customer Service can be reached 24/7/365 toll-free at (800) 952-1001.  MetroCast also serves customers in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.