The new Cox TV Economy package is offered for just $35 a month in most areas.  But what will you lose if you go with this low cost alternative to a a full digital cable package?  Is the Cox Economy package worth it, or should you just pay the extra money for a full priced package?   Here are the details.

The new Cox bundle was introduced as a trial in several markets, then rolled out to the complete Cox footprint earlier this month.  Priced at $34.99 a month, the service price includes one receiver.  HD channels are also included if you have a compatible plasma or HDTV.    Customers who use Cox CableCard instead of a set top box can get the package for $30.99 a month.

So what all is included with this Cox package?  Family friendly programming seems to be the theme as several channels oriented toward young audiences are included.  Among the channels your will find Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Animal Planet and Disney Channel.

Channels catering to a more mature audience include Fox News, CNN, AMC, History Channel, Food Network, Lifetime and Comedy Central.

Overall, customers will get around 20 top tier cable channels plus local networks.  Potential subscribers should take a close look at channels not included, as there are quite a few that you are carried on the regular Cox Advanced TV lineup.  Among the missing:  ESPN, ESPN2, FX, HGTV and MTV.  Also missing will be any regional sports networks like FSN (Fox Sports Network).

Cox is following in the footsteps of  Time Warner cable which introduced a low priced package a few months ago. It  may be a new era in cable television programming, one without high priced sports channels.  ESPN is the most expensive channel for satellite and cable TV companies to carry, with reports that Disney charges cable television operators nearly $5 a month for each subscriber receiving the sports channel.   Regional sports channels are also among the most expensive for cable and satellite providers to offer – by eliminating them from certain programming packages Cox can reduce costs to the end user.

If you are looking into Cox as an alternative to satellite TV, you may be able to take advantage of introductory offers in certain markets.  For example, in the San Diego area, Cox TV Economy is being offered for $24.99  for the first three months, a $10 discount when compared to the regular price.  This compares well with satellite packages like the America’s Top 120 from DISH Network, and the DIRECTV Choice package, though you will have far fewer channels if you go with the cable option.

One of the advantages that cable can offer over satellite TV is the ability to package multiple services.   Cable providers like Charter communications have a last mile network, meaning a physical line to each home and business they serve.  This means they can offer two way services like high speed internet and home phone calling over the same line that brings the cable channels to the home.  Charter cable packages make it a bit easier on the customer, as you have one bill to pay each month, and one provider to get in touch with if you have a customer service issue.

Because Charter makes more money each month with a customer that has a multiple services, incentives are offered to get you to sign up – and stay with them for a long period of time.   In this article, we will review a few of the incentives offered to those packaging multiple services with Charter, and consider if this is the best way to get all of your communication services.

The current packages offered include either two or three services.  For those who want a home phone line, then the Charter triple play package is going to be your best option.  While you can get a triple play from Charter for as low as $60, it only includes local channels.   For most, the following packages will have much more appeal.

For $89.97 a month (for one year), the entry level Charter package gives you TV with HD channels, the Charter Internet Lite service (downloads up to 3 Mbps) and home phone service with unlimited in-state long distance.   This bundle works out well for those who like all of the basic cable channels, but aren’t interested in premiums like HBO and Showtime.  The internet product here is basic as well, and probably not the best for multiple users or those who want a streaming movie service like Netflix.

If you are wanting a bit more, then the Premium Movie Bundle is offered at $124.97 a month for the first year.  Here you get an upgraded Charter internet connection (15 Mbps) and also your choice of one premium like HBO, Starz, or Showtime.  Additionally, the home phone line is upgraded to include long distance anywhere in the country.  Keep in mind with either one of these packages, only one receiver is included.  If you are going to get additional receivers, or the Charter DVR, then you will pay more each month.

When shopping these  bundle packages, you will also want to review what is available as far as the Charter deals go.  These can come in the form of cash back, Visa rebate cards, or bill credits.  For 2012, Charter has moved to a bill credit promotional plan when you sign a two year contract.   The specials right now include a $200 rebate on your bill when you sign a two year deal.  Some of the packages also include a price lock option, keeping your plan at the same level until 2014.

Because Charter includes a 30-day guarantee on their package plans, you cannot redeem the rebate until that period has passed.  Once you have had service for more than a month, you can simply go to charter.com/myaccount and sign in to redeem your bill credit.   The $200 incentive should then appear on your next billing statement.

If a triple play package is too much, then there are several double play options from Charter that you can review and buy on their website or over the phone.  Depending on your personal needs, you can order a Charter package with the right combination of home phone, high speed internet, and digital cable TV service.

If you are shopping around for a cable or satellite television provider, there are several factors to weigh.  One such factor is high definition channel content, which most Americans demand now that plasma and HDTV prices have dropped significantly.  In this article we will review the Charter HD channel options, comparing them to what is available from satellite and telco TV providers.

Charter is one of the larger cable television companies operating today, though they have struggled though bankruptcy proceedings in recent years.  Unfortunately for subscribers, this has meant a slow expansion when it comes to high defnition channels in many areas within the Charter cable footprint.  According to current statistics, Charter offers 39 HD channels widely, and up to 48 additional high definition channels in select areas.  So many HD channels does Charter have in your area? 

The simple answer to that question is “It depends.”  Certain areas served by the cable company have been fully upgraded, meaning you will get nearly 100 HD channels total, others have not – meaning it may be more around the 40 channel range.  The best way to determine exactly what is available to you is call or go online to the Charter website for further details.

The cost for Charter HD channels is currently $5 a month, and also include HD on demand.  This service offers hundreds of hours of high definition programming which is available to subscribers at any time.   Currently the company offers more than 1,000 HD choices each month.  But does Charter HD cut it when comparing the service against the competition?

Currently, both satellite television companies offer more than 100 HD channels each.  Both DIRECTV and DISH Network are national companies, meaning it doesn’t matter where you live – you will be able to enjoy all of the high defnition channels as long as you can have the satellite dish installed on your property.  Both companies technically charge $10 a month for HD, but there are promotions available which waive that fee if you are willing to sign up for automatic bill payment.

Other potential Charter HD customers may also want to look into Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse.  Depending on your area, one of these telco TV providers may offer triple play service to your home.  With FiOS, fiber optic lines are delivered to the home, and currently you can get 122 HD channels through Verizon.  AT&T uses a slightly different technology, but the result is still the same as they have 140 HD channels currently.  Either way, you will find more high defition channel content with these telecom providers compared to Charter TV.

So how is Charter fixing their HD problem?  The latest informaition from Charter points significant network upgrades in 2012 which will bring their HD channel count to around 100 in most areas.   The news will be welcome to current subscribers, who will no doubt enjoy the crystal clear picture quality that will result from expanded high defnition channel options.

Cable One internet service is available to millions across the southern and midwestern regions of the United States.  With options like AT&T U-verse internet and CenturyLink internet competing in these areas, you might be wondering what Cable One has to offer when it comes to speed and pricing.  In this article we will review Cable One internet and consider some of the things you should evaluate before signing up for service.

Before selecting a Cable One internet package, its a good idea to evaluate how much you use the internet in your home.  How many users are online during peak periods?  Do you use a streaming service like Hulu or Netflix?  What about downloading music or videos online?  If any of these situations apply to you, the basic internet connection probably will leave you frustrated at times, and a higher priced internet plan from Cable One will probably work better for your family.  That being said, here are the current plans being offered:

Cable One Economy Internet – This plan is a bare bones internet connection, which is currently priced at $20 a month.  This plan offers download speeds of 1.5 Mpbs, but it also has a monthly usage cap of 1GB, with a $10 for each GB used after the first.  To give you an idea of how little usage this is, you will use 1 GB with 500 web page loads, or by watching 1 hour of live video.  This plan will obviously only work for those that only use the internet a few times a week, and do not download any music or video.

Cable One Standard Internet – This plan will work for most residential customers, offering speeds up to 5 Mbps and uploads up to 500kb.  This plan also includes up to 15 e-mail accounts, which can be accessed from the Cable One webmail login portal.  This plan also includes usage limits, so if you are a heavy user you will want to review the CableOne internet usage policy before sigining up to see if the plan will work for you.

Cable One Preferred and Elite – These high end internet packages are not priced out individually on their website, but are offered as components of various Cable One packages.  With these high speed internet plans, you will get download speeds up to 50 Mbps along with your cable TV and/or home phone service.  These plans include 50 GB of data usage per month, plus what Cable One labels a “bonus 50 GB” so altogether 100 GB per month.

Several Cable One deals on bundle packages will appeal to new customers.  Most of these include your choice of voice, video, and high speed internet for $25 each.  This reduced price is good for one year before the regular rate kicks in.

Now if you are comparing Cable One internet against a competitor like Uverse internet or CenturyLink, then here are a few factors to consider.  As you can already tell, Cable One seems to be fairly heavy-handed when it comes to the amount of data used by their customers, with caps imposed and additional charges assessed on those who use more than the company wants.  They even go as far as posting a data usage calculator on their site for customers to evaluate their usage.   If you know that you will be a heavy online internet user, you will probably be better off with a provider that offers you an unlimited plan without the worry of a usage cap.

Cox cable offers triple play packages to millions across the country, which include TV, internet and voice service.  But if you are considering cable TV, you might see what they refer to as Cox Advanced TV.  What exactly is Cox Advanced TV, and how does it compare to what you might get from satellite TV?

Simply put, the Advanced TV service offered by Cox communications is what other companies call digital cable service.  Cox simply brands the service with this name to cover all of the services available with digital service such as HD channel access, On Demand, DVR, and pay per view movie access.  Here are a few basics on Cox packages and what is included with the Advanced TV feature.

HD – Cox has made strides in catching up to satellite when it comes to high definition channel access.  If you have Advanced TV with a digital cable box or DVR, you will be able to get anywhere from 72 up to 115 HD channels.  Certain areas have been upgraded with more capacity than others, so it all depends on your area.  Cox HD is free for those with digital cable service. By comparison, DISH Network and DIRECTV each offer around 110 HD channels each once you subtract all of the extra HD pay per view movie channels that are added into the mix.

DVR – Cox Advanced TV is compatible with digital video recorder service, though you do have to pay $9.99 a month per TV up and above the regular receiver charge.  Some areas like San Diego do offer a one month free trial on the Cox digital video recorder if you are a new Advanced TV customer.

On Demand – While a DVR is pretty much a must-have with satellite service, cable TV subscribers can catch most programming after the fact with video on demand.  The On Demand service from Cox gives you access to thousands of titles through your remote control and on screen guide.

Pay Per View – Advanced TV also gives the subscriber access to dozens of movie choices, both new releases and adult movies.  Most start at around $5.99 per movie.  Sports packages like NBA League pass as well as pay per view MMA and boxing events are also available from Cox TV.  Another option that is of interest to many cable customers is the Spanish channel option available from Cox, as well as several other foreign language channels that are available for an additional monthly charge.

Like digital cable service from other major cable TV corporations, Cox Advanced TV delivers all content digitally, so you will enjoy great picture and sound quality.  The same holds true for satellite TV services as well, as their content has been delivered in a digital format for several years now.

With high monthly bills and lackluster customer service, it is no wonder that people are looking for alternatives to cable TV.  If you live in your own home, there are definitely options when it comes to cable.  Those who live in a condo or apartment may not be as lucky, as cable TV companies are often the only choice when it comes to your entertainment needs.  Lets take a look at three alternatives to cable TV, and consider the pros and cons of each.

1. Satellite TV – This is the first thing many consumers look at when looking to drop their cable television service.  DISH Network and DIRECTV are the dominant satelllite providers in the United States today, with more than 30 million subscribers as of the end of 2010.  Both offer free installation, free equipment like an HD DVR, and discounts for new subscribers. Additionally, you will generally pay less with satellite compared to cable when looking at just the price for a video only package. On the downside, both DISH and DIRECTV require a two year contract from new subscribers for the freebies, with significant penalties for those who cannot honor the commitment.  Customers also still have to use another provider for their internet and/or home phone line, as satellite TV providers cannot offer these services and have to partner with outside companies for these services.

2. Fiber TV – Both AT&T and Verizon got into the cable TV game in 2005 by deploying new technology,  Verizon FiOS is carried with fiber to the home (FTTH) technology offering amazing internet speeds to the customer along with hundreds of cable channels and your home phone line. AT&T U-verse uses fiber to the node (FTTN) technology which then jumps to the existing copper network to also deliver cable channels to the customer.  CenturyLink TV is also in this game in limited markets, offering Prism TV and internet service.

These alternatives to cable TV offer true triple play packages, one company for all three services.  Verizon and AT&T even offer quad-play bundles, which allow customers to roll in their cell phone service as well.  Negatives with fiber TV?  There aren’t many, but since the technology is newer there can be bumps along the way as they try to get everything running smoothly.  Also, U-verse doesn’t offer some of the premium sports packages like MLB Extra Innings at this time.  Customers can also get these services without signing a contract, though some discounts on service can be had if you do agree to keep service for a year or two depending on the promotion.

3. Netflix/Streaming – A final cable TV alternative is to cut the cord altogether and go with Netflix streaming and some sort of option like Hulu in addition.  This kind of drastic action will certainly save you some money every month, allowing you to upgrade your internet to a higher speed that will support streaming through Netflix.  If you don’t watch much TV and can get by with just movies this might work for you.

So you don’t have to be tied to your cable TV provider anymore.  Of course cable TV companies recognize this as well, and if you are a good negotiator you might just want to call them and let them know you are considering one of the alternatives.  Some have been able to negotiate discounts on their current cable bill by simply making a 10 minute phone call.

Customers of Bresnan cable in Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Colorado have already begun to notice a re-branding effort, as Cablevision acquired the company earlier this year.   The move was a bit out of Cablevision’s traditional geographic area, as their customer base is concentrated on the East coast, primarily New York.  What changes can former Bresnan customers expect with Cablevision moving into town?  Probably not many, other than a name change, as Cablevision does business under the Optimum name.  Though Bresnan is now Optimum cable, many services and options will remain constant through the change.

Customers living in these areas can expect to see the Optimum triple play package heavily promoted, especially to customers who currently have satellite TV for their video service.  Bresnan had around 320,000 customers before the Cablevision buyout, and considering the Bresnan footprint is fairly rural, Cablevision will no doubt be looking to increase the number of subscribers in the region.  Current offers from Optimum include a triple play package for just $89.95 a month for one year.  This price is good for new customers to Optimum, or for those who do not currently subscribe to an Optimum TV package.

So what will you get if you live in an area formerly served by Bresnan and want this new Optimum deal?  The current offer includes Optimum digital TV, with free HD channels as long as you have compatible equipment.  Optimum on demand is also included if you get a digital cable box or a digital video recorder.  The Optimum online service will connect you to the internet with speeds up to 15 Mbps, and also includes CA internet security suite plus at no additional charge.  Finally, the Optimum Voice service gives subscribers unlimited local and long distance calling to all 50 states as well as Canada, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico as well. The phone service with Optimum also includes 18 calling features like caller ID and call waiting.

This is a fairly aggressive pricing plan from Optimum, showing they are serious about acquiring new customers.  Of course if you live in one of these areas its a good idea to do some comparison shopping to see what the competition has to offer.  Optimum will be competing in most of the new areas against CenturyLink, a large regional phone company that just acquired Qwest earlier this year.  CenturyLink primarily offers high speed internet service along with home phone connectivity, but they also offer DIRECTV satellite through a partnership formed in 2011.  Other options include DISH Network satellite TV, though you will have to go with CenturyLink or Optimum for high speed internet as DISH currently does not offer this service.

Cox Communications is a large cable television provider serving major markets like San Diego, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.  With large Spanish speaking populations in these markets, potential subscribers will want to compare the Cox cable Spanish channel options against the competition coming from satelllite TV providers.  What options do you have with the Cox Spanish packages available in these areas?  In this article we will review what Cox has to offer when it comes to Latino channels.

The three Cox cable Spanish channel packages are the Paquete Latino, El Mix, and Super Mix.  You may get more Spanish networks if you subscribe to a higher tier package depending on your particular area.  For example in the Phoenix, Arizon area all three packages currently offer customers 29 channels in Spanish.  But in the Cox San Diego market you will get either 38, 41, or 44 Spanish networks depending on the Cox bundle selected.

Why the difference?  Many cable television companies have different franchise requirements, and network capacity can also influence the number of channels available whether it be English or Spanish programming.  The best thing to do if you are seriously considering Cox communications is visit their website or call your local office to find out the number of channels in the package you are looking at.

Now lets here are a few of the advantages of going with Cox cable for your Latino programming compared to one of the satellite television options like DIRECTV Mas or DISH Latino.  With a Cox cable package you can of course get both Spanish and English programming delivered into your home.  In addition, you can bundle Cox high speed internet service and your local home phone service as well.  Most of these bundles are discounted for around one year, but promotional deals change frequently.  Again, the best thing to do is contact them directly to get current pricing on the Cox triple play package of services.

The Latino package from Cox starts at just $29.99 a month for six months on a stand alone basis (no high speed internet or home phone.)   We checked pricing in the Las Vegas, Nevada market, where the El Mix package is being offered at this price.  After six months you will pay the regular price of $44.99 a month.  This is for the Cox Advanced TV, their brand name for digital cable service.  This price is actually fairly low for cable television service, and is competitive with satellite TV.  The El Mix package in Las Vegas includes 175 channels total, with 40 of them in Spanish.  Of course keep in mind you will pay extra for cable TV boxes and/or the Cox DVR, which is $10 a month with the first month free currently.

When you examine the actual channel lineup, you will find all of the popular Spanish networks on the Cox cable system.  Favorites like Telemundo, Galavision, and ESPN Deportes are included in the Latino pack, as are national networks like NBC, CBS and ABC.   Other favorites like CNN en Espanol, Gol TV, and History en Espanol are also carried by Cox.

Now if you demand the most Spanish-language content, then Cox is going to fall a bit short when compared to satellite.  Both DISH Latino from DISH Network and DIRECTV Mas have topped 50 channels in Spanish, with many premiums available like HBO.   As mentioned earlier, some Cox cable packages can get you over 40 channels, but they aren’t quite up to the level offered on satellite TV.  The downside, however with DIRECTV  is that there is a two year contract as a new customer, while with cable TV providers like Cox you can usually go month to month with your service.  This can tip the scales in favor of cable for those who move frequently and cannot commit to a satellite TV contract.

If you live in an area served by a cable television company, they may be the best option for a triple play package of voice, video, and high speed internet access.  While DIRECTV and DISH Network can usually give you the most when it comes to stand alone video service, cable television companies like Cable One offer better deals for those who want an all inclusive package.  In this Cable One review, we will take a look at what is offered in their bundled package.

Cable One Packages

One of the top reasons for Cable One being able to compete with satellite providers is their package options.  It is easier to deal with one provider if you want high speed internet, home phone service, and cable TV all on one bill and all from the same company. Unfortunately, there is a downside in that going with cable triple play bundles usually cost more, especially after any promotional deals run out.  How does Cable One compare in this area?

Right now, the company is advertising their “best deal ever” promotion which offers a Cable One package where you pay $25 a month for each service.  This Elite package will get you into a bundle of Cable One internet, voice service, and cable television service for $75 a month with a two-year agreement.  The deal is one of the best in the country when you look at what other cable TV companies charge for the first year, usually about $100 a month.  In addition, you also get a discounted rate during the second year, with each service priced at $35 a month, or $105 total for the Cable One bundle.

Pricing is certainly aggressive for Cable One subscribers, who not only have the option of satellite TV in most areas, but also competition from telco providers.  AT&T U-verse service is available in many Cable One areas, as is Verizon FiOS in many others.  In addition, CenturyLink TV packages which bundle DIRECTV are an option in some neighborhoods serviced by Cable One.  Undoubtedly, the company is using aggressive pricing to bring in subscribers in hopes that they will stay and pay regular prices once the two year deal runs out.  The smart thing to do is compare Cable One vs the competition before jumping in to any sort of long term commitment.

If you go with a Cable One package like this, keep in mind the additional charges that come with the deal.  If you want to receive HD channels through Cable One, you will need to either upgrade to a high definition cable box, or a HD DVR.   The HD receiver through Cable One is $5 a month, which the HD DVR is $10 per TV.  If you have multiple HDTV sets in your home, these months charges can add up quite a bit.

In addition, you will pay extra for sports packages with Cable One, and premium movie packages.  This is true of pretty much any cable or satellite TV company, so your Cable One package is not unique in this area.

Bright House is the dominant cable TV company in the Tampa area -and also serves large communites like Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Brandon.  If you live in this area, you might wonder if a Bright House deal is the right choice in this area.  In this article, we will review Bright House Tampa services and give you an overview on pricing as well.

Bright House has an inherent advantage over satellite providers like DISH Network in that they can offer a triple play package all on their own.   Satellite TV companies have forged partnerships in most areas of the country, offering hybrid triple play packages which rely on the local phone company to provider the other pieces of the puzzle.  Much of the Tampa area is served by Verizon, so you may be able to get a FiOS triple play if the area has been upgraded, or a DIRECTV triple play package with Verizon providing the internet and voice pieces.

But if you are just looking to review Bright House internet and phone service in Tampa along with their video product, here are a few of the basics.  New customers to the cable television provider are going to get a great deal up front.  Currently, you can get a Bright House package for as low as $100.00 a month for the first year.  This will give you a decent high speed internet connection (10 Mbps) along with 10 Bright House e-mail accounts.  In addition you will enjoy more than 250 digital cable channels along with free BrightHouse HD channel access.  This package also includes Bright House telephone service with caller ID and call waiting.

While this is a great deal in the Tampa area for the first year, you have to consider pricing after the promotion expires.  Generally, cable triple play packages go up by 50% or more once the promotional period ends, and it is no different with BrightHouse in Tampa.  While rates vary a bit depending on your exact location and the franchise fees in each area, you can easily expect to pay in the area of $150 to $170 each month for a regularly priced package.  Your best bet is to contact Bright House directly to get an exact rate quote.  Deals are similar with competitors like DISH Network and DIRECTV, with reduced prices being given to new customers during the first year and then regular prices taking hold thereafter.

As mentioned earlier, competitors like DISH Network and DIRECTV have to partner to match up with the Bright House triple play.  You can though order services separately if you are intent on using satellite TV.  With DIRECTV, you can order Verizon FiOS internet and phone service, and then complete your package with satellite service.  But another option in the Tampa Bay area is going with FiOS TV service.   Most areas in Clearwater, Brandon, and Tampa have been upgraded with fiber optic lines to the businesses and residential areas.  This means customers have the option of selecting Verizon for all of their services without using satellite TV or cable.

One advantage the cable provider has over satellite is that service locations for Brighthouse Tampa customers are located everywhere.   At these locations, customers can demo products as well as order or upgrade their services.  In addition, Bright House locations can accept bill payments and accept equipment for return or exchange.  To locate a Bright House Networks location in the Tampa area click here.