Charter adding more HD channels to service in Western Massachusetts

Date: 7/9/2012

July 9, 2012

SGREATER SPRINGFIELD — Charter is adding as many as 35 new high definition (HD) channels for customers with HD service throughout Western Massachusetts on July 17.

These additions are part of the evolution of Charter TV, which includes a growing number of HD channels and on demand choices, a 3D experience, mobile apps that deliver digital channels on smart phones and tablets, online programming and much more.

"We want our customers to have the best television experience on all their screens," Greg Garabedian, Charter's vice president and general manager for New England, said. "Today's television experience extends far beyond the living room and onto a variety of connected devices. We're committed to providing the highest quality video experience, more choice, greater reliability and additional value."

In conjunction with these HD channel additions, eight to nine channels will be digitized moving from an analog to a digital format. Digital is the common delivery method of video now and in the future, providing a higher quality audio and video experience and helping to make room for even more HD channels and other video, Internet and phone enhancements. A Charter digital set top receiver is necessary for most digital channels to be viewed on a TV, and an HDTV and a Charter HD receiver are necessary to view programming in high definition. Charter digital and HD set top receivers are available at local Charter sales and service locations.

In order to enjoy recorded shows in HD, Charter customers with HD should reprogram their DVRs to include the recording of favorite programs using the new HD channels. Previously scheduled DVR recordings involving channels being digitized should not require DVR reprogramming. To watch select digital channels on mobile devices in or out of the home, Charter Internet customers should register with their charter.net credentials and customers without Charter Internet service should register with charter.com credentials when downloading the apps.

Almost 90 percent of Charter customers already subscribe to digital video service, most with a digital receiver on more than one TV, in order to view digital programming and enjoy the other features enabled by digital technology.

"I'm confident our customers will be excited about this product evolution that provides them with as many as 35 additional HD channels, a wealth of 2D content to every device in the home, 3D movies on demand and the ability to take some of their favorite movies and shows wherever they go. To help every customer prepare for this transition and learn more about these new features, we have sent detailed letters to their homes, set up a special website and made members of the Charter team available in our retail centers, online and over the phone to assist with any questions," Garabedian said.

Prior to the transition period on July 17, customers will receive information regarding the additional new HD channels and other channel changes, detailing the movement of channels from analog to digital. Information about channel locations is also available at www.charter.com/futureTV.

The 35 high-definition channels being added are: amc, BIO, DIY, Planet Green, ESPNU, G4, BET, E!, HLN, NFL Red Zone, Oxygen, BTN, CMT, Disney XD, Encore, H2, GSN, MTV2, OWN, Style, TV Land, HBO2, HBO Family, SHO Extreme, HBO Signature, Showtime Showcase, Showtime Too, Starz Cinema, Starz In Black, Starz Kids & Family, MoreMax, ActionMax, TMC Extra, Investigation Discovery and Tennis.

More information is available by visiting www.charter.com or calling 1-888-438-2427.