BAY AREA TV UPDATES

We receive most Bay Area TV from Sutro Tower, which is undergoing major re-work. Only a few of those stations are working normally, and even those are subject to daytime shut-downs. For updates, go to their web site: www.sutrotower.com.

THE STATUS PAGE

This page is updated whenever there are changes, so it might be helpful for you to bookmark it so you can verify whether a problem is community-wide and what action might be in process to correct it.

The Status page reports:

• System Wide problem (problems with the cable itself).
• TV and FM problems.
• Broadband Internet connectivity problems.
• Problems with mail and web-site servers.

System Status Information

Power Outages

A commercial 72-minute power outage on Monday, March 8, brought down the system between 6:40 PM and 8:20 PM PDT. The power surge resulting from the return of power damaged an amplifier on Idylberry Road, so homes at the West of the community did not have service restored until 11 PM after repairs were made and a spare amplifier installed.

Thanks to the many who called to report the problem -- there were too many to return.

TV and FM

The New HD Pak

We have added several new services to the HD Pak which is now comprised of the following sixteen high quality high-definition services:

In addition to these, subscribers to the Starz!/Encore Pak can now enjoy Starz! HD.

To enjoy the HD Pak you need a high-definition cable box or TiVo HD and a subscription to the Digital Variety and HD Paks.

Digital Simulcast and West Coast Feeds

In response to the many requests for West Coast versions of popular national TV channels, we have moved History Channel, A&E, Food, Sci-Fi, and HGTV from East to West Coast versions.

Many analog channels are now duplicated in digital form which will allow any of our newer cable boxes or CableCARD-equipped devices to get digital picture and sound. Consult the TV lineup to locate these channels. We will soon be adding AMC, Disney, ABC Family, CSPAN1, and CSPAN2 to this list.

Digital Local Channels

Some local channels remain problematic, especially those from Sacramento. We are considered "deep fringe" for Sacramento transmitters, which are located at Garden Grove, and reception varies according to atmospheric conditions.

DCT6412 Cable Box Recall

Some customers with DCT6412 cable boxes have complained of video tiling and sound drop-outs on HBO. Motorola has confirmed the problem and have told us that it is due to a faulty chip that is soldered into the unit's motherboard and is unrepairable. Anyone subscribing to the Digital HBO Pak can have their DCT6412 replaced with a DCH6416 at the same rental rate as those boxes become available. We will replace purchased boxes at no charge. Please call or e-mail to set up an appointment for the upgrade.

If you're not sure you have a DCT6412, the model number is printed on the bottom of the unit.

Broadband Internet Service

Up and running normally.

Mail and Web Servers

Up and running normally.

Last Updated: 3/ 8/2010, 11:30 pm pst.