Z, did you talk to anyone at Comcast or MPT? It seems to me the key word here is "additional" programming. It doesn't say anything about needing a converter to watch the regular MPT channel, which in most places around Baltimore is channel 22 on the Comcast lineup. (Also, this press release references the D.C. area, so is the Baltimore area even affected by this?) The channels specifically referenced are MPT HD, MPT-2, and a Spanish language network. It doesn't say anything about the original MPT. I think you might be feeding into a hysteria that isn't warranted. Please consult with Comcast and MPT if you haven't already.

Also, I really don't think people understand the difference between the DTV conversion, which is happening in June, digital cable, and HD television. As a TV reporter, isn't it your obligation to inform on these topics? It seems to me you might not even understand the differences. The DTV (digital television) conversion has nothing to do with either digital cable or HDTV. DTV is a federally mandated program implemented so the government can reclaim the analog spectrum in order to auction it to mainly fire and police departments so they can use it for radios, etc. If you have cable, you do not need to worry about DTV, period, even if you only have analog cable. The digital signal will be converted by your cable or satellite provider, and you won't notice any difference. If you don't have cable, you will need a digital converter, which will convert the analog signal to a digital signal. You can buy a converter at any electronics or "big box" store, like Target or WalMart.

HDTV is high definition television. It has no relationship at all to the digital conversion. It's simply a better picture quality. No provider can force HDTV on anyone. It's a choice you will have to make as a consumer. You will need a high definition television and an HD converter, which you will have to get from your cable or satellite provider.

Digital cable is also unrelated to DTV. Again, if you have digital cable, that is a choice you have made as a consumer, if you want more channels with a higher quality picture. You do not need a special TV to receive digital cable, you simply need a digital converter box provided by your cable company.

Hope this clears some things up! Z, if you need more information, you should really contact one of the cable companies around here. They are obligated by the FCC to educate consumers on DTV.
Hi Julie: Did you read the MPT press release I linked to? It says: "Analog customers will need a digital box from Comcast in order to receive the new channels and to continue receiving MPT."

The "and to continue receiving MPT is pretty clear, isn't it?" Or, maybe I am misunderstanding you. What would you like me to ask them? Thanks. Z

And of course digital cable from Comcast costs extra. Is it any wonder people so dislike the cable company?

I wonder how much $$$ MPT is getting from Comcast for this anti-consumer move?

If you have a new digital TV, you don't need a converter. Do a new channel scan. The FCC forbids cable companies from scrambling local broadcast channels..

I did read the press release. It says you will need a digital converter for the new channels. I think this is where the confusion lies -- some people might think that they will need a digital converter to watch the regular MPT, which I don't think is the case. This is what I would ask the powers at be at MPT and/or Comcast. I would also ask them if this affects the Baltimore area. If I'm reading the press release correctly, I don't think it does.

Hi Julie, thanks. I will check on the "continue to" receive line. I think it is clear, but you are a smart and great reader of this blog, and so, out of respect for your question, I will get a clarification. Thanks. Z

Its anti-consumer to even have analog signals on cable at all now. The bandwidth for one analog channel could be used for 15 or more standard def digital channels or 5+ high def channels.
Those of us that pay extra for high def hardware and content would like access to the full range of programming.
Also thank you Comcast for allowing customers that put forth the effort to RTFM to install cablecards ourself and save on service calls.
And thank you Comcast for adding KidsWB to ON Demand and bringing the channel on line later this year.
I am in Nashville and the only thing that would make me happier with Comcast is to lose the bandwidth cap on cable Internet as it hurts people that work at home.
jc

Well thanks, that's nice of you! ;-) I confess I did miss that "continue to receive" line, so I apologize. I read that thing twice and still missed it. At any rate, if that's true, I am surprised they are allowed to move MPT to the digital tier. I thought that cable companies were forced by the FCC to carry over-the-air broadcast channels on their lowest-priced tier, unscrambled. I guess PBS affiliates are not included under that mandate.

I have had numerous conversations with Comcast, Montgomery County Council members' staff, and MPT over the last few days. The bottom line is this: Comcast subscribers in "downstate" Maryland now need a "set-top" box to view WMPT Ch. 22-- regardless of their level of subscription service to Comcast (I have limited basic cable purely for reception in my high-rise building, but the same is required of higher service levels). One year hence, I will have to pay Comcast an additional $44 annually for that box for the "privilege" of watching a public TV station that my Maryland tax dollars support. This is because the only TV station I'm "entitled" to watch without incurring this cost is the designated primary public station in the D.C. area, WETA. What this ignores is that I live in Maryland, and MPT provides programming of direct relevance to me. Now I have to line Comcast's pockets in order to access that programming. Moreover, MPT's press release failed to note that you must pay an additional $10 for the set-top box to be mailed to you-- or spend the time travelling to your local Comcast office to get it.

MPT failed to give ANY advance notice of the April 14 change, and that's why it's been inundated with complaints from members and viewers. Hundreds if not thousands of Comcast customers also apparently did not receive any advance notice from Comcast that Ch. 22 was going dark on April 14. Comcast did little to publicize the channel lineup change.

A lot went wrong with how this transition occurred-- and I, as a Maryland taxpayer, am hardly interested in making Comcast richer in the deal. I have asked MPT to give a fulsome explanation of why the ball was dropped, and how they might have better protected their viewers' interests.

Hi, Z. Alisha here with Comcast. We’d like to provide some clarification for you and your readers regarding questions posed about public broadcasting programming available to Comcast customers in the Greater Baltimore area.

All of Comcast’s customers in Greater Baltimore, whether they are analog or digital cable subscribers, receive PBS programming made available on MPT, the area’s primary PBS station. These customers will continue to receive MPT programming with or without a digital box, even after the June 12 federally mandated Digital Transition (DTV).

The press release you posted, as noted, reflects a partnership between Comcast and MPT to increase the availability of PBS programming to Comcast Digital Cable customers in the Greater Washington area, which includes the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland (including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County). The partnership, which involved a change to digital-only distribution of MPT in Greater Washington, allowed us to provide additional channels to digital cable customers in the area, including MPT in HD, MPT-2 and a Spanish language network from MPT called V-me – which are already available to customers in the Greater Baltimore area.

Comcast is making it easy and inexpensive for analog customers in the Greater Washington area to continue viewing MPT as well as these additional channels by offering a free digital box for at least 12 months for any customer who does not currently have one. And, Full Standard customers can get Comcast’s Digital Starter service, which includes a digital box, at the same price they’re currently paying.

Additionally, all of Comcast’s customers in Greater Washington—whether they are analog or digital cable subscribers - are still able to receive PBS programming made available on WETA, the areas’ primary PBS station. Greater Washington area customers will continue to receive WETA programming with or without a box, even after DTV on June 12.

We encourage customers to contact us with questions at 1-800-COMCAST or visit our site at www.comcastchannlechanges.com to learn more.

Hi Alisha, Thanks. This is very helpful. I think this agrees with everything in my post, but it certainly elaborates and spells out anything that might be confusing. And there was some confusion for at least one reader. I sent an email inquiry to Comcast on this earlier today, but this even better, because everyone can read it on the blog without a filter. Thanks again. PS. Can you send your office phone number to me in an email. I had another press contact, but it looks like you are the one. Thanks again. Z

Aside from MPT, did anyone notice that Cartoon Network is AWOL on the budget priced 0 to 83 cable basic channels as well as Style Channel and AMC ( Style and AMC went away about 6 or 8 months ago in Harford County) this seems like it is forcing the folks with the old cable ready analog TV's to RENT a converter from Comcast.... This seems to be slowly happening, an erosion of Basic cable line up. We aren't allowed to buy an alternative cable box. Remember when it was against the law to buy your own telephone and you HAD to rent it from the phone company? Comcast just keeps pushing me into the hands of FIOS maybe Verizon will be friendlier to the customer..

I am concerned about the lack of childrens programming on MPT and MPT2. MPT has increased the available programming hours a great deal by adding MPT2. They have not increased the amount of childrens programming at all. In a response to an email from me, they indicated that as the area was cable served there was no need for the public station to provide afternoon programming appropriate for children. They don't seem aware that on non-cable television there is NO afternoon/afterschool programming suitable for children other than the single hour on MPT (unless you count the Simpsons). With 2 channels couldn't they spare some additonal afternoon hours for commercial free childrens programmin?

Some of us just don't want to pay for tv viewing that includes advertising.

Z,

I would be interested in your response to the point I posted earlier about Maryland residents having to pay Comcast additional money (the set-top box fee) in order to access a public TV station that their tax dollars support, and that has programming not otherwise provided by their designated primary public TV station, (in my case, WETA). The national-level deal cut between Comcast and the Association of Public Television Stations, which spawned this change in Ch. 22, will have the effect of increasing Comcast's revenues-- as Nelson Allen's comment above implied. Might Comcast have not attempted to show some corporate goodwill and allowed Montgomery and PG county viewers to continue to access MPT through their current subscription levels, without further cost to us?

With respect to Comcast's/Alisha Martin's comment above, please note that I was explicitly told by Comcast customer service that both the Digital Starter package ($61.80/month) and the Digital Preferred Package ($78.75/month) require an ADDITIONAL fee of $3.65/month for the set-top box.

There seems to be no "www.comcastchannlechanges.com"

Sorry about the typo in the web address I’d provided in my previous comment – the correct address is www.comcastchannelchanges.com. Thanks for letting us know!

I live in Balto. County and subscribe to Comcast limited basic service. On April 14 WETA TV 26 was removed from my channel lineup without notice. I called Comcast several times to complain. They agreed to send me a digital receiver box , free of charge, for 1 year. However, even with the digital box I do not receive MPT 2, MPT V-ME, WETA HD, WETA Create, and WETA Kids Channel. Am I incorrect in thinking I should be receiving these PBS channels as well as MPT and WETA 26?

Thanks for this informative discussion on this maddening change. The loss of MPT from analog cable has received no attention here in Montgomery County. I missed the "announcement" since it was hidden within a list of dozens of digital channel changes. MPT is (was) my primary source of Maryland news and programming - which cannot be gotten from DC's WHUT or VA's WETA. I believed that MPT should be carried as a "Must Carry" station since it was my local PBS station, but even MPT said "No" and my email questions to the FCC went unanswered. Incidentally, in my email exchanges with Comcast they never offered me a digital box free for one year, so thanks for that information.

Eileen, you should indeed be able to access MPT2 (channel 268), MPT V-me (269), WETA Create (265), and WETA Kids (266) with your digital box, as well as MPT (73) and WETA (26). Can you please contact us at We_Can_Help@cable.comcast.com so we can help?

Alisha, Thank you so much for replying. I wll send an email to Comast as you suggested. Z, thank you for providing this forum. The PBS stations are my favorite.... truly TV worth watching. I am tickled pink to be getting all the PBS channels.

Hi Eileen, Thanks to you for making it work. And, yes, thanks to Alisha as well. Z

This is an update to my 2 previous posts regarding missing PBS channels on Comcast. I live in Baltimore County. I have Comcast limited basic service with a, free for one year, digital box. The box is very easy to setup. I am happy to report I can now access WHUT 32, MPT 22, MPT-Select 268, MPT V-me 269, and WETA-SD 26. Comcast assures me that by next week I will also receive WETA CREATE 265 and WETA KIDS 266. Comcast says I will not receive MPT 220 and WETA 219 because they are HD. I asked the Comcast rep what will happen when my free digital box expires in one year. The rep says Comcast has not decided what the cost or policy will be in one year. The current market value for the box is $1.79 per month. I am not happy about the possibility of paying for the box next year in order to receive PBS channels. I hope Comcast will take this into consideration.
On another note, from The Huffington Post, for PBS lovers....."On Wednesday, the Public Broadcasting Service staked its Internet claim by launching a new video portal at http://www.pbs.org/video . PBS says that by the summer, it will eventually host thousands of hours of programming.

The portal brings together programming that previously had been scattered across numerous Web sites. The site gathers full-length episodes of shows that many would say are among the best on television, including "American Experience," "Frontline," "American Masters," "Nature" and "Masterpiece."

Comcast is not a broadcaster, it transmits broadcast signals of MPT to its customers through a cable at exorbitant rates

There is no reason that Comcast can not cotinue to offer the MPT channel to citizens outside of the immediate Baltimore region without need for a digital cable box. It is greed pure and simple and shame on you Mr. Zurawik for making excuses for them. They could even add MPT2 and V-me to the standard offerings if they so desired.

Cable companies have the complete "choice" of how they transmit digital broadcast signals to their customers, it is not the government forcing them to use a digital signal for all of their customers.

It is not a good thing nor an expansion of MPT programming. The truth is in most of the Washington region you can receive a free digital signal from MPT, MPT2 and V-me over the air with an old analog television, a signal converter box and an elevated antenna, so why should you and Comcast think it smart business to make you pay for the privilege?

Hi, I didn't call Comcast a broadcaster -- since it is a cable company. That is pretty clear if you read the post. MPT would be the broadcaster. The difference in method of distribution is something I have taught to college students for 15 years. But, given your last paragraph, what is it that you are objecting to so strenuously? If you don't like the way Comcast does business and you don't need Comcast to get the MPT channels, who would be forcing you to use Comcast? You can use Comcast or not use Comcast, that would give you the choice. Is that a bad thing? So, I am confused by your post. Who would you have me denounce so that you would not be quite so unhappy? Help me out there, WeBoDavid, because all I'm getting from your comment is an unfocused anger. And it is hard to respond to that in a constructive way. Thanks. Z

Z wrote "If you don't like the way Comcast does business and you don't need Comcast to get the MPT channels, who would be forcing you to use Comcast?" Incomplete and misleading information could cause customers to think they need to get a digital box and digital cable to receive these channels and I think your post does not effectively explain viewers options. Your post implies that Comcast has no choice when it removes MPT and this is not at all true. Your post also does not mention the important fact that you can receive these additional MPT channels free and over the air. It is an unambiguously, bad thing that Comcast has moved MPT to a channel requiring a digital box that their customers have to pay for and the additional MPT channels to a tier for which customers need to pay substantially more. Cable companies used to be required to carry local channels on their lowest tier of service and I think Comcast should continue to do so for all local channels including MPT-2 and V-me. I hope it is clearer that my criticism (not anger) is focused on Comcast and your inadequate blog post not MPT.

I am one disgusted Comcast customer who is seriously considering dropping my TV subscription entirely now that channel 26 has turned to snow. WETA is far superior to MPT, which seems never to have really recovered from the Raymond Ho fiasco, and it is WETA that I have supported with contributions and membership.

I happen to live in a location where over-the-air anetnna reception is not possible. I am not a big TV viewer -- mainly WETA and CSPAN/CSPAN2 (which keeps getting pre-empted in mid-sentence by sports events). So I think I pay a lot for not very much, and now half of that is gone. I have little interest in buying a new TV just for the opportunity to spend more money (the current ones are 7 & 10 yrs old & work fine for my purposes), and most of all I am not interested in rented "boxes" of any description. Yes, the pictures seen on the digital TV's are spectacular, but unfortunately they are rarely anything I would want to watch. In my view the biggest effect of all of this digital conversion is providing cable companies with new opportunities for "business decisions" to improve the bottom line. And lots of obfuscation while they do it.

Just my viwe...

PatK, Because of reception problems I subscribed to Comcast to view WETA. I am sorry to say that I will leave Comcast if or when they decide to charge me a fee for use of a digital box that I now need to see WETA.

I agree with what you are saying about MPT. What has happened to their programming? Several years ago I was nearly "Yanni"-ed to death by MPT and fled to WETA. I've been a supporter Of WETA ever since. Earlier this year MPT bombarded me with repeats of "Celtic Women." I don't expect to like everything MPT broadcasts, but I would like more variety and less repetition.

I have an analog tv with a digital converter box. As of yesterday May 27, 2009, I receive no MPT digital signals. Until yesterday I was getting good digital reception on 67.1, 67.2 and 67.3, now nothing not even on 22. Can anyone help?

Thanks

So MPT does it again -- Washington Week etc. gets dumped for some mindless, tuneless musical program stretching on forever. But Comcast turned Ch 26 to snow, so we in Baltimore are stuck. Thank you Comcast, scoring again. Is this going to make me snap up some digital offer -- no, it's not. Because what guarantee will I have that they won't arbitrarily dump WETA completely for a mud wrestling channel or whatever.

I support WETA and every month I receive the program guide so I can see what I am missing. Great.

PatK

(And of course, as I write BookTV as usual is being overriddden for some tennis match who knows where -- but that has been going on forever. Nice going, Comcast. Maybe I'll drop Comcast & jump for an iPod instead.)

My 88 yr old mother has a basic cable Comcast subscription and an analog tv. She wants to continue to watch regular MPT channel 22. I tried installing my converter box but got no reception (maybe did it wrong because was not certain about how to connect it where the plugs say antenna when of course there isn't one). Does the converter box have to be something special to work with Comcast cable? She would rather pay once for one than have to pay $44 per year for one from Comcast. So there are maybe two options:
1) obtain an appropriate cable analog to digital converter box that works without an annual fee; if so where do I get one and how do I connect it?
2) replace her analog tv with a digital one: Would this option work without having to change her basic cable service?

I'm having the same problem - I just hooked up an old set that is in perfectly good condition. I can get channel 26 (WETA) fine but not channel 22 (MPT).

I live in Frederick, MARYLAND. Yes, Frederick is in Maryland. As in Maryland Public Television. But I can't get MPT because of some strange blocking going on depending on where you live? And how does it makes sense that Baltimore people are being blocked in the opposite way (they can't get WETA?)

I support both MPT and WETA. It sounds like Comcast doesn't understand its own market.

Frederick is not "greater Washington", it is an equal distance from both Baltimore and Washington. And even if someone lumped it in with Washington, how is it not in Maryland? Here I thought I lived in Maryland (I sure seem to be paying Maryland taxes!) and thus was entitled to watch Maryland Public Television.

I live in Silver Spring, Maryland, and after many years of subscribing to Comcast, I decided to give it up this spring (The cost had doubled in the time I was a Comcast customer).

I am primarily a fan of public television, primarly MPT and WETA, so I thought I'd stick to mostly viewing those through the new digital format. I shopped around for a DTV converter box and got the strongest antenna I could manage as an apartment dweller, thinking I'd be wantonly spoiled by getting access to three separate public TV stations -- WETA, MPT, and WHUT.

To my disgust, it has proven virtually impossible to get a signal from MPT. I then did a little research online and found this is something of a general problem for those who do not subscribe to cable.

MPT's website and e-mail responses to my inquiries were virtually useless -- bland assurances that if I pointed my antenna in the right direction, I'd get reception, and that MPT was working with Comcast to solve the problem. Sometimes the e-mail responses assume I am a cable customer.

Now that I've read the posting from the would-be viewer in Frederick, who ought to be, technically speaking, within range of MPT, I realize that this is a problem beyond a county or two.

Shame on MPT for the poor job they've made of this.