The SMT Incoming
Comcast Complaints
“Thank you so much for printing the article about the lousy reception from Comcast. I pay almost $60/month for expanded basic cable (so I can receive an awful lot of garbage of kids’ shows, foreign shows, hunting shows, etc. but so I can get some sports, news, and national geographic channels). At times, for up to 36 hours, I can get reception on 4 channels only. I’ve been complaining to Comcast and their phone number gets me to the Colorado answering service. They always tell me my service is A #1 and the problem is with my television. I have been wondering what is going on and am ready to cancel Comcast for their lousy reception and customer service. At least now I have an explanation. However, they still aren’t worth $60 for the 5-10 channels that are worth watching.” – Carol Ross, in response to Gordon Molloy’s article about Comcast.
Comcast Explained
“As we approach our nation’s transition to broadcast digital television (DTV) on February 17th (although Congress has recently proposed delaying that date), we want to make sure that your readers are aware of an important related development regarding the San Francisco television station KTVU, Channel 2. Comcast will no longer carry Fox affiliate KTVU-TV, Channel 2 in the Sonora – Twain Harte area because we will not be able to consistently receive the station’s new digital signal there; however Comcast customers in Sonora – Twain Harte will still be able to watch much of KTVU’s programming on the Sacramento Fox affiliate, KTXL-TV, which we carry on Channel 9. There will be several benefits from the broadcast digital transition (mandated by the federal government), but there is also an unfortunate disadvantage. Digital TV provides a superior picture, improved audio quality and will free up bandwidth for advanced wireless services and better communications between first responders during emergencies. However, unlike analog transmission, where you can still get a diminished picture when the broadcast signal encounters interference; when a digital signal fades or encounters hilly terrain, you receive no picture at all. This loss of digital signal is often called the “digital cliff” effect. Despite the installation of new antennas and receivers on our towers in Sonora – Twain Harte, the combination of your unique geography and the digital cliff effect means that we are unable to reliably receive KTVU, Channel 2’s new digital signal. We have already notified customers of this news with individual letters, but want the entire community to be aware of this important change in your area as broadcast TV forges into the digital age.” – Bryan Byrd, Director of Comcast
Communications – California Region.
Growing Up
“Yay - Good luck to you all! I love the paper! I have watched it change through the years, and look forward to watching it grow.” – Kristin Sveum.
- Dear Kristin, We plan on continuing to grow and change. We are always looking for NEW ideas and interests. Don’t hesitate to throw in your two cents… or more! ~ Publisher
Back at the Helm
“What great news! My wife and I always loved this “little paper” and with McCaffrey back at the helm we look forward to more Twain Harte stories and articles. We are not full time residents but divide our time between TH and Monterey so, the first thing we do when get back is go to the TH market, stock up on necessities and grab the Sierra Mountain Times.
Good Luck to all of you and have fun!” – Tim and Kathy Franklin.
- Dear Tim and Kathy, What a wonderful compliment. Not only do we plan on writing more about Twain Harte, but more about our general area. From the furthest reaches of Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties. Local is a key word at the Sierra Mountain Times… now more than ever! ~ Publisher
The New Platform
“Good job ya’ll, nice way to intro a new platform for the SMT. It was informative! Long live the Sierra Mountain Times!” – Julia Stephens.
- Dear Julie, Thanks! Hopefully well be around as long as the Sierra itself!
~ Publisher
