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Mediacom Dubuque Digital Upgrade 2012Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Mediacom's Digital Transition DATE: June 25, 2012 Dubuque bierd All-America City 1 2007 Cable TV Coordinator Craig Nowack is providing an update on Mediacom's continuing transition away from analog signals towards all digital television in Dubuque. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Craig Nowack, Cable TV Coordinator Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO Michael C Van Milligen, City Manager FROM Craig Nowack, Cable TV Coordinator DATE June 18, 2012 S U BJ ECT Mediacom's Digital Transition Dubuque had NI- America City 'I 1 1 I' 2007 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on tMtediacom's continuing transition away from analog signals towards all digital television here in Dubuque BACKGROUND Federal law mandated the end of analog television broadcast signals in June 2009 but required pay -TV prodders to continue providing analog signals for broadcast channels until June 2012 In December 2009, Mediacom began its transition away from analog TV by moving a handful of channels to the digital -only tier and re- assigning some analog channel numbers to make better use of existing bandwidth In December 2010, Mediacom moved Dubuque's four public and educational access channels to the digital -only tier In August 2011, Mediacom announced it would be moving analog channels 23 - 78 to the digital -only tier sometime "in the coming months" and offered free adapters that would allow older analog -only TV sets to display digital signals On Thursday, June 14, I met with Lee Grassley from Mediacom's regional headquarters in Cedar Rapids He wanted to inform me about and enlist my help in publicizing Mediacom's next steps in the transition to all digital television on their system in Dubuque This summer, Mediacom wil move channels 23 - 78 to the digital -only tier On August 14, ten channels wil go digital only A week later, on August 21, the remainder of those channels wIl go digital only Then, on August 28, Mediacom plans to add approximately 40 new high definition (HD) channels Mr Grassleytold me that currently Mediacom wIl continue to provide analog signals for channels 2 - 22 He said there are no plans to move those channels to the digital -only tier Only those households with older, analog -only televisions wIl be affected by moving channels 23 -78 to the digital -only tier Mediacom will provide up to three free digital adapters per household for one year Additional adapters will cost $ 99 per month each, and after the free year is up, all adapters wIl cost $ 99 per month each I plan on producing a video to nun on CityChannel Dubuque, the City's web site, and our other local access channels to inform local cable subscnbers about the upcoming changes Mr Grassley provided a booklet about the changes to the Dubuque system and I am enclosing copies of this for you and the City Council RECOMMENDATION This memorandum is for informational purposes only, no action is required at this time I will continue to keep you updated on changes to cable service in Dubuque Prepared by Craig Nowack cc Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Maureen Quann, Assistant City Attorney Mediaco) the power to simplify MEDIACOM ALL DIGITAL UPGRADE Project Overview: Dubuque 2012 Li LI 11 hi hi Li hi ik hi Lk II IL Li Li Li Li Li Li Mediacom has continually invested in the newest technologies to increase the capacity and capabilities of its fiber -based communications network. Now, the next step moves analog customers into the digital age, delivering an all - digital channel lineup to all Mediacom Family Cable subscribers. Many communities view Mediacom's extensive upgrades as positive economic development tools to attract residents, employers and businesses. Mediacom the power to simplify 10 years ago, cable service delivered mostly cable TV programs and channels and a little bit of Internet. Today, Mediacom delivers the following services: • Digital, HDTV • Digital Video Recorders (DVR) • Video On Demand • Broadband High Speed Internet • Internet Video and Rich Social Media • Voice, Video Chat, and Global Phone Services Now, everything talks to the Internet The new smart phones and devices use our broadband connections at your home and business and consume bandwidth. Gaming consoles need Internet connections and consume bandwidth. Even new TVs connect to the Internet over our High Speed Internet and consume bandwidth. Wij. 11 • - k Tune in to a smart tv Web- conn=dd IV Apps - steam shows, videos and movies right on yourTY. u1�■ 1,0„,.1'J f <. r "avoid ?'7..&-.uf,.1.p. PPc • All Digital Example: More Choice Content over the same cable is now delivered in multiple flavors. Television programming arrives over Mediacom Cable TV service AND Mediacom High Speed Internet services. HE BIG PICTURE -MI PORTS •- 161:10E M2.1 uncipicw ES-Fri :com Can be watched via Digital Cable Television Is viewed via HD Digital Cable Television Is listened to via Audio Streaming High Speed Internet Watch Games over High Speed Internet More digital toys on the way Mediacom the power to simplify All Digital Example: People Want More High Def Consumers and businesses are demanding more HDTV Content The Weather Channel I HD Discovery trit J H :• o er EMILt7 IHD tz D HISTORY arc HD SWINE HD It msnbc Hu BET* Fin) cine nix I HD. HD ,T- H.a St zHD 010 COMEDY 1 V 1H3] (-1 A I' Smithsonian H D CHANNEL Mediacom is answering market and consumer demands in Dubuque and surrounding towns by delivering these and many other of viewer's favorite HD channels via our 100% Digital Cable service. This upgrade has been underway. since 2008 2008: Mediacom performs initial major upgrade of its Eastern Iowa infrastructure • Simultaneous delivery of analog signals to customers without digital TV receivers (digital simulcast). • Customers using Mediacom Digital Cable or digital -ready televisions began seeing better picture quality and expanded lineups. 2009: Digital Transition for local TV broadcasts • US Government mandated that all terrestrial television stations eliminate broadcasts in the analog bandwidth and move to an entirely digital spectrum. • Mediacom supports its non - digital customers by converting broadcasters' digital signals back to analog for reception on older, non - digital TVs. Mediacom the power to simplify This upgrade has been underway since 2008 2010 -2012: Mediacom expands and further upgrades its Eastern Iowa infrastructure • Extended delivery of an All Digital lineup to customers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Fairfield and surrounding areas • Addition of HDTV channels to these areas. Cedar Rapids /Iowa City & Cedar Falls/ Waterloo areas now have more than 100 HD channels. The Fairfield area will soon have more than 100 HD channels 2012 : Mediacom expands and further upgrades its Northern Iowa infrastructure • Extended delivery of 100% Digital lineup to customers in Dubuque and surrounding communities • Significantly increasing HD channels to Dubuque and surrounding communities Mediacom the power to simplify Li hi II II II 111 All Digital -Right Now This phase of the All Digital expansion delivers a 100% digital upgrade to our customers in your community • This next phase delivers an All Digital Family cable channel set currently on channels 23 -78 • Increases the number of HD channels, adds additional standard definition channels, adds 3DTV capabilities • Enhances service offerings which already deliver some of the fastest Internet connection speeds in the country Up to 50 Mbps downloads and 5 Mbps uploads • Popular expanded digital services — HD Video On Demand and HD Pay Per View • Better picture • Enhanced audio fidelity • Improved system reliability Mediacom the power to simplify What do customers need to do? Before August 2012 • Older TVs (manufactured before March 2007) that do not have a built -in digital tuner or a Mediacom Digital Receiver will need a Digital Adapter to receive the new digital lineup. • Digital Adapters can be picked up, or ordered from Mediacom. Mediacom will provide you with up to 3 Digital Adapters at no cost through June 30, 2013. Beginning July 1, 2013, a fee of $0.99 per Digital Adapter will be added to your bill • Consumers interested in upgraded services to receive additional channels and extras such as Video On Demand, Pay Per View, the navigation guide, and HD channels may discuss these options with a Mediacom representative. Mediacom the power to simplify uuuuuuuWd6LiL "6IIY4IL III YYYYYY14YifYYYd Communities Enhanced by 2012 Digital Transition Asbury Dubuque Dubuque (UO Asbury) Dubuque County Dyersville Epworth Farley Peosta Sageville Iowa Iowa Iowa Iowa Iowa Iowa Iowa Iowa Iowa Dubuque Dubuque Dubuque Dubuque Dubuque Dubuque Dubuque Dubuque Dubuque 52002 52001, 52002, 52003 52002 52001 52040 52045 52046 52068 52001 Mediacom the power to simplify ii ki Communities Enhanced by 2012 Digital Transition East Dubuque Galena Galena Territories Grant (UO East Dubuque) Jo Daviess L Illinois Illinois Illinois Illinois Illinois Jo Daviess 61025 Jo Daviess 61036 Jo Daviess 61036 Grant 61025 Jo Daviess 61025 Mediacom the power to simplify What effect does the change have on customers? Before August 2012 Mediacom will provide customers with up to three Digital Adapters at no cost through June 30, 2013. Beginning July 1, 2013, a modest monthly fee of $0.99 per adapter will be added to customer bills. For customers adding four or more digital adapters, the fourth and any additional Digital Adapter will each have a modest $0.99 /adapter monthly charge . This includes existing and new customers throughout the project period. After the upgrade project is completed in your area, any Digital Adapter added to an account will have a modest $0.99 monthly charge. Mediacom the power to simplify What effect does the change have on customers? Before August 2012 Mediacom has been simulcasting analog and digital programming. Beginning August of 2012, Mediacom will begin reducing some simulcast analog channels. Consumers will need a Digital Adapter to continue seeing programming currently broadcast on channels 23 -78. These are currently delivered through an analog signal and will move to a digital signal. This includes digital subscribers with an analog TV connected directly to a cable without a box. Digital Adapter Mediacom the power to simplify What do customers need to know? Before August 2012 NEWER HDTV benefits Less impact to customers using Digital Cable or newer digital -ready TVs • Customers using digital cable service or newer televisions with built -in digital tuners (known as QAM) are digital- ready. • Those customers will not need additional equipment but will need to re -scan or re- program remote control devices to include new channel additions. • Many of Mediacom's customers currently subscribe to digital cable to use interactive features or to access HD or other channel sets beyond a Family Cable subscription. • Many of those customers continue to use analog televisions in secondary locations throughout their homes or offices. • Digital adapters will allow digital signals to display on those older televisions. Mediacom the power to simplify II 1 1 '1 I I ,1; 1' "1" "I" "" r r r it r. r r r r , r r 1. r r �r V r r Who is affected? ;1, ;1 1', • Over 65% of Mediacom's customers already use our digital cable services via some form of a Digital Cable Box (DCT). • Of the remaining 35 %, many have at least one digital ready TV with built -in digital tuners. These TVs do not need a Digital Adapter to receive the All Digital Family Cable service. • Analog TVs not connected to a Mediacom Receiver will need a Mediacom Digital Adapter. Likely scenarios where a Digital Adapter is needed to convert digital channels back to analog: • Broadcast Basic Subscriber (Digital Adapter expands lineup to include 14 additional channels) • Family Cable subscriber with cable connected to an older non - digital ready or Analog TVs. (Digital Adapter converts signals back to analog for channels 23 -78) Mediacom the power to simplify What next? Mediacom representatives will discuss pick -up or shipment of Digital Adapters. Digital Adapter Mediacom the power to simplify When will this happen? Mediacom and your municipality are currently working to provide you with the appropriate digital interface for your TV. Now June 2012 July 2012 August 2012 Now - August 2012 Mediacom, municipal presentations and open houses will be held to distribute Digital Adapters. Adapters can also be picked up at Mediacom offices. Begin shut off of analog channels 23 -78 to convert them to digital channels. Customers will need to have some form of a Digital Adapter installed. Mediacom the power to simplify Why now? As HD equipment costs fall, consumers are rapidly investing in HD entertainment systems across all demographics and demanding more HD programming. • Digital looks better, sounds better and takes up less bandwidth than analog • One analog channel can be replaced by 10 digital channels or 3 HDTV channels enabling Mediacom to deliver popular HD programming and greatly increased Internet speeds. Consumers are also investing in more advanced computer and gaming systems for home and work. Consumers are increasingly using more bandwidth intensive social media, entertainment and communication applications like YouTube, Facebook, and Skype. Collectively, all of the above digital offerings are very "hungry" and inhale digital bandwidth. Mediacom is delivering this bandwidth. Mediacom the power to simplify , . width nee • e Bandwidth Usage Consumed: Media consumes more bandwidth Terabyte size files need bandwidth speeds of 30 -105 Mbps Gigabyte size files need bandwidth speeds = 10 Mbps to 30 Mbps Megabyte size files need bandwidth speeds = 1 Mbps to 30 Mbps Kilobytes Email doesn't need much room Email attachments need some more room •1 pg .doc Email still pictures big documents need a little more need room L� "ciao�� . mov . mpg . wmv HD Really prett y (HDTV Moving pictures nee a whole lotta room almost all of the tim PENGUIN X$O UV Interactive Really "Real" and Real pretty 3D /HDTV/ LiveHD moving pictures need more than a whole Iotta continuous room without interruption or error Mediacom the power to simplify All Digital and Local Broadcasters The Mediacom All Digital Transition incorporates, but is different than the FCC Digital Transition. The FCC Transition to Digital TV offers a more efficient use of broadcast spectrum. Also gives local broadcast stations the ability to deliver multi -cast channels — more programming to local viewers. For example, local broadcast stations are delivering alternative programming on their additional digital channels: • KGAN carries CooITV • KWWL carries RetroTV and ThisTV • KCRG carries KCRG -DT • IPTV /KIIN carries PBS Learns and PBS World In total, six new channels area available from local TV stations as a result of the Digital Transition. Mediacom the power to simplify Overview of available Mediacom services Mediacom now offers the most advanced services in Iowa Cable Services • Digital Cable Television • High Definition Cable Television • Video on Demand • Digital Video Recorder • High Definition Premium and Movie Channel Advanced Internet Services • High Speed Internet Services -Many communities in Iowa have speeds up to 50 Mbps Phone Services • Unlimited calling to US, Canada, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands • Advanced Calling features Mediacom .. the power to simplify U Glossary of terms DTA: Digital Transport Adapter /Digital Tuner. Referred to as a Digital Adapter. Device issued by Mediacom to receive channels after digital upgrade DCT: Digital Cable Terminal. Device that allows customers to receive all digital channels beyond Basic & Family Tiers. Also provides customer with Channel Guide, Video On Demand, Pay Per View & Music channels HD DCT: High Definition Digital Cable Terminal. Device that allows customers to receive all digital channels beyond Basic & Family Tiers including High Definition Broadcast Basic channels. Also provides customer with Channel Guide, Video On Demand, Pay Per View & Music channels ATSC: Advanced Televisions Systems Committee. Tuner that allows reception of Digital Television (DTV) signals broadcast over the air QAM: Quadtrature Amplitude Modulation. Device installed on newer TVs to receive digital cable channels through the cable BB: Broadcast Basic. Channels 2 -22 DBB: Digital Broadcast Basic. Channels 87 -123 HD: High Definition Mediacom . the power to simplify For more information, or to pick-up Digital Adapters Local Office: 3033 Asbury Rd Dubuque, IA 52004 Phone Number: 855 - 230 -2225 Website: www .MediacomCable.com /GetDigital Mediiiii the power to simplify