Suddenlink upgrading to All-Digital TV in Payson area

Some TV sets may require digital adapters

           PAYSON, Ariz. (Jan. 18, 2012) – Suddenlink announced today that it is upgrading technology in Payson, Pine and Strawberry as part of a larger program that calls for approximately $10 million of capital investments in Arizona and two California communities in 2011 and 2012. 

          As a part of this program, Suddenlink already has increased Internet speeds in the Payson area.  The next phase of local work will facilitate a new, all-digital TV lineup.  Digital TV features superior picture and sound quality.  The transition to this new lineup is expected to be completed Feb. 14.   

           On or near completion, Suddenlink’s new Advanced Digital TV local lineup in Payson will feature more than 75 new high-definition (HD) TV channels, more than 45 new digital channels and five new Basic channels. In Pine and Strawberry, the new lineup will include more than 90 new high-definition (HD) TV channels, more than 135 new digital channels, and more than 15 new Basic channels. With these additions, and by customer demand, the Pine and Strawberry TV lineups will be the same as in Payson. 

          Suddenlink customers will be getting information by mail notifying them about an easy process for getting and installing free digital adapters – also known as “DigitaLinks” – which enable digital channel viewing.  Customers will generally require these devices, if their TV sets … 

• Are not connected to a Suddenlink digital cable box, also known as a set-top box or receiver.

• Do not have a Suddenlink CableCARD installed 

• Are not connected to a digital cable-ready device – such as a TiVo box – with a Suddenlink CableCARD installed. 

  The company will provide DigitaLink devices for all customers’ TV sets that require them.  There is no up-front fee or monthly charge, and customers who do not wish to install these devices on their own can schedule professional installation through Suddenlink. 

  Customers also will be getting information by mail about Suddenlink’s new TV lineup debuting Feb. 14, including listings of new HD channels and more. 

  Among the new HD channels coming to Payson, Pine and Strawberry are a wide variety of local TV stations, popular news and sports channels, business news and children’s channels, a host of premium and other movie channels, as well as History HD, Discovery HD, A&E HD, Disney HD, National Geographic HD, TBS HD and more. 

  New digital channels, among many others, will include: Bloomberg, Boomerang, CBS Sports Network, Fox Business Network, Fox Movie Channel, Fuse, Nick 2, Sportsman Channel, Starz Kids & Family, Sundance, 5StarMax and more. 

  Among new channels coming to Suddenlink’s Basic lineup in Payson, Pine and Strawberry are: Bravo, Lifetime Movie Network, C-SPAN2, truTV and Telemundo station KTAZ. The lineup in Pine and Strawberry also will soon include local broadcast channels KAZT (IND) and KUPT (MNT). 

  In addition to introducing an all-digital lineup, Suddenlink also expects to introduce its video on demand (VOD) service, TV Caller ID and faster Internet speed options in the area later in 2012. 

  More information about Suddenlink services is available by visiting suddenlink.com and entering an address and zip code, by calling toll-free 800-896-5701, or by visiting the Suddenlink customer care store at 632 N. Beeline Highway in Payson.

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Suddenlink Communications (suddenlink.com) is the seventh largest cable operator in the United States, supporting the information, communication and entertainment demands of approximately 1.4 million residential customers and thousands of commercial customers in Arizona, Arkansas, California,  Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia and elsewhere. Suddenlink simplifies its customers’ lives through one call for support, one connection, and one bill for TV, Internet, phone and other services.