TV changes that threaten our ability to catch an episode of "Scrubs" at any given time of day or night can cause a domestic… situation. So be forewarned: Qwest subscribers will soon have to opt for either Cox (cable) or DirecTV (satellite) to avoid missing even one performance of Turk and J.D.'s duet of "Man Love."
Qwest Communications, which provides ChoiceTV service to much of the Valley, including most Anthem homes, will completely cut service and attempt to convert subscribers to DirecTV.
"We have it slated for Q3 or Q4," said Mark Molzen, spokesperson for Qwest. The phase-out has already begun as ChoiceTV is no longer available to new subscribers.
Obsolete Equipment The company that produced the set-top box for Qwest was acquired by Motorola which has since discontinued production.
"Given that the set-top box was the heart of the product, we didn't really have a choice," Molzen said. The telephone cables that carry the ChoiceTV signal can't support some of the tech-forward bells and whistles the other delivery systems offer.
The Conversion While Qwest is calling it a conversion, it's really more of a termination. And, because of its partnership with DirecTV, Qwest hopes you opt for a dish. After all, a dish allows for some nifty tech features such as remote DVR programming. "Just log in to your account online and hit ‘record,'" Molzen said. DirecTV also offers significantly more hi-def channels and better picture quality, Molzen said.
To encourage subscribers to choose DirecTV over Cox, Qwest is offering incentives such as free installation, a free DVR and programming for $29.99 a month for 12 months (regularly $62.99 per month). The service can also be paired with three free months of Starz and Showtime. Certainly there is fine print, such as a possible new two-year contract with early termination fees.
Qwest has also partnered with Verizon Wireless allowing for the bundling of multiple services on a single bill.
Or, Call Cox "We all carry the same programming and with Cox you are working with a local company," said Andrea Katsenes, spokesperson for Cox Communications. Cox does not require a contract and there is no wrestling to find the perfect location for the dish, which requires an unobstructed view of the southern sky.
So far, Qwest hasn't given it's subscribers much information on the upcoming changes, but plans are in place to send letters, make phone calls and knock on doors as the cut dates approach.
"Because Anthem is so large, we will be taking it in stages," said Barbara Alvarez who is on the Community Development team and handling much of the conversion for our area. "The most important thing is to be setup before the cut date," she said.
Alvarez invites those with questions about DirecTV to call her directly at 602-400-0322. Questions about Cox can be directed to 623-594-1000. io
Dish Restrictions
The federal government goes to great lengths to protect viewers' rights to receive video signals, limiting the ability of HOAs to restrict placement of satellite dishes. HOA restrictions tend to be geared toward design guidelines of the respective communities. Generally, one dish, 18 inches or smaller should be mounted away from the street, lower than the peak of the home, and should match the general color scheme of the neighborhood.
Check with your HOA before installing. For more information on federal rules go to
www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html.
