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As consumers enter the high-definition age, misinformation, confusion abound
is created equal
ike millions of other Americans, Rick Hansen has joined the HDTV revolution. The Upstate pharmacist purchased his first big screen, high-definition television a year ago. The sleek, 63-inch Toshiba hasn’t failed to deliver. “It is fantastic,” says Hansen, who notes that the life-like images set his three dogs to barking whenever they see one of their kind pictured on the screen. HDTV sales are growing steadily as viewers become more enchanted with its clear, vivid images. About one of every three new televisions purchased nationwide today is in the HD format, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.
And those sales are revolutionizing the way Americans watch — and think — about home entertainment. But with this revolution come waves of misinformation, leaving many consumers feeling technologically adrift. Pat Hayes, Charter Communications regional director of technical operations, is among those cautioning the public to be informed and savvy. “Everything (Charter) advertises as high definition is true high-definition content,” he says. That isn’t always the case with traditional cable’s competitors, who sometimes overstate the availability of true high-definition programming. For example, satellite dish providers [ C O N T I N U E D O N PAG E 2 ]
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“I think 90 percent of the public have some information. Less than 10 percent have a true handle.” GLENN ASHLEY, sales manager at Jeff Lynch, one of the Upstate’s electronics retailers
claim they will offer as many as 100 HD channels by the end of the year; however, there aren’t 100 true HD channels currently available. According to Hayes, several factors determine viewer access to HDTV. For one thing, you must own a high-definition television. And for another, the signal must be broadcast in a digital format. The Federal Communications Commission has seen to the latter, mandating that all television programming be broadcast digitally by 2009. The third piece of the puzzle is that programs must be produced in authentic HD format. And that’s the real rub — many production companies are yet to make the switch to the new technology. If a program isn’t recorded in true high definition, it’s only a digital reproduction. So while an increasing number of shows are available in high definition, many others still aren’t. For those that aren’t, an HDTV and digital signal don’t matter. Hayes says Charter is committed to offering customers an increasing array of true HD programming as it becomes available. The company plans to add 10 or more true HD stations to its current lineup by the end of 2008. It’s all part of a broadcasting industry that is being driven by a technological advancement that, surprisingly, is more than half a century old. In 1949, French engineers created the first public high-definition network. Yet the new technology wasn’t commercially viable because broadcasters at the time lacked the bandwidth necessary to transmit HD signals. That changed in the 1990s with the emergence of digital technology. With its higher speed and greater capability, the digital image has become the industry gold standard. And broadcasters, with encouragement from the FCC, are scurrying to embrace it. Charter has invested in the necessary infrastruc-
ture and is already delivering a state-of-the-art digital signal to every home it serves in this market. But the industry shift doesn’t necessarily mean consumers are keeping up with the learning curve. “I think 90 percent of the public have some information,” says Glenn Ashley, sales manager at Jeff Lynch, one of the Upstate’s electronics retailers. “Less than 10 percent have a true handle.”
Part of the confusion has to do with distinguishing between digital and HD. A digital signal is required to receive HD programs but not all digital signals are broadcast in the actual high-definition format. Definition is determined by the number of lines of resolution appearing on a television screen — the greater the number the crisper the image. Standard definition carried over the traditional analog format consists of 480 lines of resolution, each stacked on top of one another. To qualify as true high definition, a television image must include at least 720 lines of resolution, says Hayes. There is an even higher resolution of 1,080 lines also available. The FCC’s mandate, which itself is a source of confusion, applies only to broadcasters who must convert to a digital signal by early 2009. Anyone with a digital converter box, like the ones already issued to traditional cable subscribers, can continue to enjoy all their favorite television programs on their current sets indefinitely. In addition, traditional cable operators broadcast HD networks that don’t require an HD converter or box. Also, HDTV cable cards can be inserted into existing TVs, a choice that may be preferred especially for wall-mounted TVs. A high-definition set, on the other hand, is a luxury purchase for the increasing number of Americans prepared to pay for its superior images and greater convenience. Ashley takes a break from his work on the sales floor to talk about this new generation of products that surround him. The average customer, he says, will spend between $1,000 and $3,000 for a 42-inch HD screen, though a 70-inch model is available for $10,000. He promises that no one will be quizzed on what they know about HD and that his job is to assist customers in choosing a TV set to meet their needs. [ C O N T I N U E D O N PAG E 4 ]
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Charter employees go that extra mile Local cable provider excels at ‘good neighbor’ policy
fortunate than ourselves,” he explains. “That’s our “A good neighbor is… responsive, cooperative, helpful, resourceful, trustworthy,” read the five posters charge in life.” Kyle Gallman, a Charter administrative coordinaprominently displayed on the walls outside Charter tor, explains employees feel empowered to do Communications’ Human Resources office. community service because they work in a supportive The posters aren’t merely decorative. For neighcorporate culture. borliness is crucial to the way the local cable provider After her mother died of ovarian cancer in 1997, approaches the Upstate communities it serves. “It’s the former Marine sergeant important as a company to became passionate about give back,” says Lizz Walker, Charter locations accepting donating her time to the Charter’s public relations donations for its Holiday American Cancer Society’s manager. Food Drive Relay for Life held annually in As an expression of that Spartanburg County. When she value, Walker is coordinating Abbeville – 306 S. Main St. e-mailed human resources to the company’s new Holiday Anderson – 520 Hwy 29 Bypass N ask for permission to solicit parFood Drive. Employees and Greenville – 17 Lindsay Ave. ticipation from her co-workers customers are being asked for that event, the response to drop off their donations of Greer – 107 Middleton Way Suite 10 came back at once. nonperishable food items at Simpsonville – 2 Digital Place “It was just yes, yes, yes,” all Charter business locations Spartanburg – 725 Union St. she says. through the end of the year to Gallman also participates help stock area soup kitchens Charter sponsored community in the Marine Corps’ annual and food banks. Toys for Tots drive to provide A box chocked full of food activities and events Christmas gifts for deserving in the lobby of its Simpsonville Holiday Food Drive, Upstate children. Last holiday season Call Center suggests the MLK Dream Weekend, Greenville Charter employees volunteered project is making a difference. their time and the company “There’s just been a wonderful Gospel Fest, Greenville provided its trucks to transport response,” Walker says. Stingers Baseball Team, Spartanburg 600 toys donated at Charter It’s just one of numerous Drive Baseball, Greenville locations to the collection site. community and charitable And a Dress Down for events Charter sponsors, everyGaffney Peach Festival, Gaffney Cancer Week she introduced thing from Greenville’s MLK Colombian Fest, Greenville raised $750 from Charter Dream Weekend to the Gaffney Palmetto Club of Deaf Softball, employees to fight cancer. Peach Festival. And there are Spartanburg Teresa James, a regional discussions within the organizaFamily Reunion, Greenville liaison for Charter who has tion about doing even more, been with the company since such as launching a drive to 2007 Snow Day, Simpsonville 1992 says neighborliness is a collect school supplies for value that tends to filter down deserving children. from the top of the organization. She recalls how Yet those collective activities only scratch the company managers collected money to give one surface of the Charter story. Unseen by the public of their sick employees an all-expenses-paid trip to is the thousands of hours its nearly 750 associates Charleston before she died. donate individually to improve the lives of people in James is busy herself these days chairing a comtheir communities. mittee for her Zeta Phi Beta sorority that is working Take for example Darrell Hewett, a Charter Business to establish a Stork’s Nest at New Jerusalem Baptist account executive, who dressed in drag three years Church’s Covenant House in Greer. The Stork’s Nest, in ago to compete in the Womanless Beauty Pageant that conjunction with the March of Dimes, will help ensure raises money for cancer research. “It almost ruined my low-income women career,” he says in Help local food banks and receive proper prejest. “I’m still paying pantries this holiday season. natal care as well for it.” as well baby check It’s just one of Donate canned goods and a number of extra non-perishable foods at your ups after delivery. Juggling her curricular projects because you local Charter office. time between to which the North work and such Carolina native www.charter.com a labor-intensive has given his time, 888-GET-CHARTER project has proven including Habitat challenging. But for Humanity, James says her employer has come through, allowing a term as chairman of the Mauldin Chamber of her to leave work early to tend to her volunteer activiCommerce board and his recent appointment as an ties. “Charter’s been really good to me when it comes elder at Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church. to my charitable work,” she says. In addition, Hewett helps with the chamber’s “We have all just been so blessed. I think that is Breakfast with Santa and the annual Mauldin why we do the volunteer work we do. It’s the right Christmas Parade. He also skipped a recent Sunday thing to do.” worship service for a good cause, riding his motorcycle in a Toys for Tots fundraiser. Gary Hyndman is a writer living in Greenville, SC. “It’s good to share your talents with those less
help can
Charter’s HD line up* CHANNEL
PROGRAM
770 771 773 774 775 792 793 794 795 796 797 798 777 778 779 790 783 784
HD Net HD Net Movies ESPN HD ESPN2 HD Discovery HD Theater MHD Universal HD Golf Channel/Versus HD A&E HD History Channel HD TNT HD Fox Sports Net South HD HBO HDTV-East Showtime HDTV-East Cinemax HDTV-East Starz HDTV-East WLOS-DT ABC WYFF-DT NBC
* More than 10 new HD channels coming in 2008!
[CONTINUED F R O M PAG E 2 ]
One of those choices is to decide between LCD and plasma screens, each of which has its advantages. LCD sets aren’t susceptible to glare, while plasma offers superior contrast. But the greatest advancements in HD technology are found inside the unit, where smaller components process information faster and produce larger, more detailed images. Lighter and more versatile, today’s sets can be placed on a table, mounted on a wall or even attached to an articulating arm for maximum viewing pleasure. “There’s no doubt that TV technology is on the fast track,” Ashley says. Those advancements include the accessories as well. Digital recording devices and services like Charter’s Video on Demand are giving viewers a level of convenience they’ve never known before. Hansen, who doesn’t get off work until 7 p.m., has programmed his Moxi Box, the digital media recorder he rents as a Charter subscriber, to record Channel 4’s evening news and the NBC Nightly News to watch after he settles in for the night. Yet it’s the HD—with images so clear they reveal actors’ facial blemishes — that has him sold. Same goes for Hayes. Since purchasing their first HD set recently, his family has little use these days for the old technology. “We’ve migrated toward watching a lot more content in HD as opposed to the 32-inch screen in the other part of the house,” he says. Gary Hyndman is a writer living in Greenville, SC.
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Charter gets there
in a flash
Local cable provider setting the standard for high speed Internet Fast. Powerful. Reliable. With Charter’s high speed Internet, you need never again endure the lengthy waiting time it takes to use traditional dial-up service. Charter is ready to pump data into your home at the lightning speed of either 5 megabytes or 10 megabytes per second. And there are plans to introduce even faster 16 megabyte per second service in 2008, guaranteeing it will remain among the fastest high speed services in the industry. The key, says Tobie Sprinkle, a Charter network engineer, is a growing customer base that enables the company to continue its investment in state-of-the-art digital technology and equipment. “It means a more robust network,” says Sprinkle. More robust, as in 90 times faster than dial-up and three times the speed of DSL. That means you can download your favorite music, shop or pay bills online or surf the Web in a flash. Charter customer Rick Hansen appreciates the fact his family can be online and use their home phone at the same time. And there’s no waiting to connect as with dial up. Charter high speed is ready and waiting on you at the touch of a key. Another customer Pat Borden enjoys the added convenience of Charter’s wireless highspeed service that allows her to access the Internet from a computer anywhere in her home. Wireless Internet, of course, is revolutionizing
telecommunications, allowing both business and residential users the advantages of mobility without sacrificing their ability to stay connected in a fast-paced world. And Charter technicians are there not only to do the necessary installation but also to provide expert instruction to new subscribers. For even greater convenience, Charter sells and leases Wireless modems. Then there is Charter’s technical support center staffed round-the-clock by trained, friendly professionals ready to walk you through any problems that arise. For those issues that can’t be readily resolved, technicians make inhome appointments. High speed subscribers also receive a free security package that is easy to download from Charter’s Web site. It includes anti-virus, firewall and spam filtering software. The service protects
subscribers against threats from hackers spreading viruses and engaging in identity theft. “(Customers) need to be concerned,” says Sprinkle. “Identity theft continues to grow.”
As do concerns about minors being exposed to inappropriate and unwelcome Internet content. For that, Charter engineers have designed parental controls that restrict Internet access and can even be programmed to shut down at a particular time. Factor in the availability of up to 10 e-mail addresses with each account, multiple computer access and discounts for bundling services and ordering new service online, and you can see why a growing number of customers are making the move to Charter. “I would recommend Charter to everyone,” says Pat Borden, a loyal customer for the past six years. Gary Hyndman is a writer living in Greenville, SC.
Want to know more about Charter high speed Internet service? Visit charter.com, click on “High-Speed Internet” and then “Frequently Asked Questions.”
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a bundle With Charter’s digital phone service, staying in touch has never been so easy and inexpensive
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arry Kelly cancelled his BellSouth service to subscribe to Charter Telephone. Rick Hansen said goodbye to Vonage in favor of Charter. They are among thousands of Upstate residents who are making the switch motivated by the local cable company’s ability to deliver on the promise of greater convenience, quality service and financial savings. Chris Deisenroth, Charter’s phone network manager, says the company introduced broadband phone service to its Upstate customers about 18 months ago. During that time it has become an important — and growing — feature of its package of services, with new phone installations averaging 350 to 400 each day. In August 2002, Charter launched its newest product in Wausau, Wis., becoming one of the first to offer residential phone service over a local broadband network. The company has systematically expanded coverage to many of its nearly 6 million subscribers in 29 states, including the Upstate. Charter’s state-of-the-art broadband services were made possible by a $3.5 billion systemwide upgrade. “We’ve already got the infrastructure in place for many years,” Deisenroth says. “So we don’t leave anything out on the table.” He says Charter is marketing its newest product to existing business and residential customers, promising them competitive pricing through bundled services. Hansen, a pharmacist who already subscribed to Charter’s high speed Internet and digital cable, added phone service five months ago. He says bundling saves him between $200 and $300 per month. Part of his savings has been realized with the disappearance of long distance charges. Where AT&T
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billed him an average of $150 per month, as a Charter subscriber, he enjoys long distance service at no additional cost. “Bundling is the key to the consumer,” he says. While other telecommunications providers inundate customers with a myriad of confusing choices, Charter keeps it simple. A single plan
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includes unlimited nationwide and local calling as well as 11 other popular features such as voice mail, caller ID and call waiting. There’s no long-term service agreement to sign, installation and switching are free and Charter service works with a customer’s existing phones, jacks and phone numbers. Kelly, a production controller with Lockheed Martin, says bundling the package of services also appealed to him. “That was the drawing card right there,” he says. “It’s convenient for me.” He can count on receiving just one bill each month, gets immediate assistance when problems arise and as a bonus, people are friendly when he goes to pay his bill. Besides the savings and convenience, Hansen says he’s been pleased with the sound quality of his new phone service. “It really works better than Vonage,” he says. That’s because unlike other VoIP providers, Charter’s service doesn’t depend on an Internet connection. Instead, phone signals come directly into your home via the company’s crystal clear digital lines. “We are a traditional phone service,” says Deisenroth. Gary Hyndman is a writer living in Greenville, SC.
Want to know more about Charter phone service? Visit charter.com. Click on “Telephone” and then “Frequently Asked Questions.”
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