RMA launches first half of improved cable system
[Updated Sept. 5] The Rancho Murieta Association on Thursday announced the long-awaited launch of its new cable system, with the first 38 channels of enhanced digital, high-definition and music programming. When complete, the digital system will have up to 80 digital and high-def and 55 music channels, the RMA said. On Friday, the RMA explained the costs.
The new channels are available now at no extra charge to customers of RMA's premium programming, General Manager David Stiffler said in a press release issued at dinnertime Thursday.
Earlier, he called the partial launch "a red-letter day" for the association.
Once the lineup is complete -- the announcement did not specify when that would be -- a 30-day free trial will begin, Stiffler said. Members will be able to purchase the service, which will cost $24.99 a month.
Stiffler explained the various costs associated with the digital programming on Friday.
Besides the programming cost, there are rental costs for the set-top converter box and a $5 monthly billing fee, he said. According to Stiffler, the basic set-top box rents for $5 a month, a box for high-definition TV sets or HD-ready sets is $10 a month, and dual-tuner boxes that offer digital video recording capabilities currently rent for $17.50 a month and come with a three-year subscription to TiVo.
Prices depend on "the cost (of the equipment) to the association" and how many TV sets customers want to equip, he said. TVs equipped with the newer cable card technology won't require the set-top boxes to receive programming, he said.
"This is absolutely nothing new or unique to Rancho Murieta," Stiffler said. "Whether you go with Dish Network, DIRECTV, Comcast, whoever it is, you're going to have a converter box. And you get charged for those. ... They hide the fees in their billing schedules. We don't."
For the current 200-plus premium customers who receive channels like HBO and Showtime, the cost to add the new channels would be $24.99 because they "already have the box and they're already paying the $5 (for billing)," Stiffler said.
"It will be 80 channels of a combination of enhanced digital programming and high-definition programming and approximately 55 channels of music."
If you're not a premium-service customer but are interested in the free trial, you can sign up by calling the RMA at 354-3500. The number of converter boxes is limited, the RMA said.
Members will receive a promotional brochure soon.
The RMA and cable system face a challenge from residents who've solicited more than 1,300 members' proxy votes to end the RMA's practice of forcing participation in the cable system. Members pay about $31 a month for cable as part of RMA dues.
The RMA's lawyer has told the association it cannot honor the proxy request because a previous board signed a development agreement promising to provide cable services to new development.
The cable system has had service problems, especially in recent years, as its infrastructure deteriorated. The RMA has invested heavily in repairs and improvements, but plans to relaunch the system have been hit with repeated delays.
Here are the 38 channels in Stiffler's announcement:
152 HD Net
159 Universal HD
201 Bloomberg TV
203 Fox Business News
205 DIY
206 Fine Living
207 Discovery Health
208 Planet Green
209 Military Channel
210 Science Channel
211 Investigation Discovery
212 BBC America
213 Discovery Kids
214 The N
215 Nick Toons
216 Nick 2
217 Noggin
232 Lifetime Movie Network
233 Lifetime Movie Network HD
234 Lifetime Real Women
236 Style
237 Fox Movie Channel
238 National Geographic
239 National Geographic HD
241 Reality Network
244 Game Show Network
249 MTV Hits
251 CMT Pure Country
252 VHI Soul
258 MTV Jams
300 ESPN Classic
301 ESPN News
303 ESPN U
305 Fox College Sports Atlantic
306 Fox College Sports Central
307 Fox College Sports Pacific
308 Fox Soccer Channel
311 Speed Channel
Here's the full text of Stiffler's press release:
The Rancho Murieta Association is pleased to announce the launch of the first 38 channels of a new combination enhanced digital, high definition and music tier of cable television programming. When completed, the tier will be comprised of up to 80 enhanced digital/high definition and 55 music channels. The channels not currently launched will be added to the tier as they become available.
Once all scheduled channels are added to the tier, a 30 day free trial period of the complete package will begin. During the free trial period, all participants will be contacted to determine their interest in subscribing to the new tier. The cost of the tier will be $24.99 per month. At the end of the 30 days, anyone not wishing to continue the new tier will have the trial programming automatically deleted. In advance of the 30 day free trial period, the programming currently launched is also free of charge.
All current RMA premium programming subscribers already have immediate access to these new channels. A listing of these channels is attached. Those members who do not currently have a converter box can sign up for the free trial by calling the RMA office at 354-3500. The number of converter boxes is limited, so please call early to be reserve a place on the free trial list.
A promotional brochure is being prepared and will be mailed to all members shortly. The brochure will highlight the new programming, current programming, complete channel lineups, costs and the advantages of Rancho Murieta Association cable television and broadband services. A separate letter to current premium programming subscribers will be forthcoming early next week.
Member since: 08/07/2007
Back in March RMA said it would launch its new TV offering on March 17, mailing a brochure on the offering before that date. http://www.ranchomurieta.com/node/4744 Those with long memories will recall that was at least the third or fourth such prediction of a rollout in the past year or two.
It didn't happen. Again.
On September 4 RMA announced it was finally about to happen. Except the lineup wasn't quite finalized. But it was promised to be imminent, just as soon as it was all finalized. Members were "soon" to receive the brochure outlining what channels would be available, and then a 30 day free trial would start.
Nearly a month has passed. I have not received any such brochure. I haven't received any notice that the trial period is now available. Is it? Is it a secret?
I am so determined to give RMA a chance that earlier this month I cancelled my Dish subscription, to try RMA's HD premiums instead. After delaying my transition to HD services for months waiting for RMA to fullfill its repeated promises of imminent rollout. But RMA can't seem to get to my mailbox with a brochure outlining what they wish to sell me and the terms of the agreement they desire (e.g. is there a long term commitment required?) Can't seem to get around to soliciting the customer to give them money, an essential skill in any successful business. Meanwhile HD channels appear and disappear regularly from the unscrambled lineup. Nobody seems to know which channels will ultimately be "basic" and which will be in the premium tier.
I try not to be too harsh with my criticism, because these are neighbors and friends running this "business," but come on, guys and gals. What gives? Is the membership's patience deemed to be infinite? Is this indicative of the level of service that can be expected?