Late 2018 Update: The Spectrum transition to digital-only has been completed. Approximately 70 analog signals are gone.
On 9/11/18 Spectrum terminated analog TV services: Spectrum also terminated all digital local channel signal pass-through (CQAM). The only way to receive cable TV now is with a set-top-box (STB). One STB had already been included in the mandatory Association bulk contract with Spectrum. For a limited time, Spectrum offered a second STB at no additional charge to ease the transition for the duration of HOA contracts. However, according to our Board who contacted Spectrum seeking clarifications on this transition, the complimentary STB period will only be one year and not the 3-years remaining on our bulk contract.
Televisions in Hawthorn Park without an STB may receive TV in other ways, at the expense of the homeowner.
2018 Update: The transition to Spectrum has been completed. BrightHouse is no longer.
Analog and Digital TV channels included in homeowner dues (as revised September, 2012):Association assessments (dues) includes two tiers of cable TV channels from Bright House Networks: Basic and Standard tiers. Channels are a mix of analog and digital. Any old or new television may receive the analog channels without any additional fees or hardware. Additionally, any newer HDTV with a "QAM" or "C-QAM" tuner capability may receive digital channels without any additional fees or hardware.
Digital boxes, internet, telephone, video recorders, pay per view, and other value-added services may be ordered and paid by the homeowner directly with Bright House Networks. Homeowners who prefer FiOS, DirecTV, Dish Network, Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon Video, or no TV at all may do so, but this will not reduce your association dues.
Stations received on BrightHouse without an STB before the Spectrum transitions:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqpFwT18gAOvdFJPZXM2TmdFLWhubTFDU3BSOUpXVFE
Common Homeowner Questions (updated 11/11/18):
Q: Will Spectrum send me a bill for TV?
A: No. You will only receive a bill from Spectrum if you are taking additional products or services beyond the included set-top-box (STB) and the special complimentary STB offered for a limited time for the digital-only transition.
Q: I am new in Hawthorn Park and Spectrum is sending me a bill for the channels that are supposed to be included in dues. What do I do?
A: This is a billing problem at Spectrum. Phone Spectrum (phone number on your bill) and tell them you live in Hawthorn Park, which has a bulk TV contract for cable TV service. Request a complete refund on any past bills you may have paid in error.
Q: I don't want Spectrum. Can I opt out and get a reduction or credit on my dues?
A: No. All homeowners share in the Association's bulk cable TV contract with Spectrum, whether they watch it or not.
Q: I am a part-time resident of Hawthorn Park. Why must I pay for TV for the months I am not here?
A: Cable TV is included in HOA dues and must be paid.
Q: When does our Association's bulk contract with Spectrum expire?
A: The current contract with Spectrum expires 12/31/2021.
Q: Will the Board renew with Spectrum beyond the current contract?
A: That will be a decision made by the Board. Homeowners with strong opinions on this question should involve themselves in Board meetings.
Q: Why is the Association in the TV business?
A: Members of the Association receive a discount on cable TV by maintaining a bulk contract with Bright House. Our HOA documents require the continuation of the bulk TV contract according to legal counsel provided to the Board and Property Management. Elimination of the TV bulk contract will require an Association vote to change the HOA documents. The vote must pass with a super-majority.
Q: How is the Spectrum TV service?
A: Most customers report a positive experience. Spectrum (formerly Brighthouse) has a local company presence and they respond quickly to trouble calls.
Q: Am I allowed to switch to FiOS, DirecTV, Dish Network, or an internet TV service?
A: Yes. Homeowners may switch to another TV service. All expenses are the responsibility of the homeowner. Satellite dishes may be placed only after review and approval by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Please get approval BEFORE screwing a dish to your house, so you won't be required to move it at your expense. Remember, regardless of which TV provider you select, you continue to pay Spectrum through HOA dues.
Q: Am I allowed to erect an antenna on my roof or chimney?
A: No. Outdoor mounted standard TV antennae are not allowed in Hawthorn Park. However, free digital high definition television channels are easily received with an attic mounted UHF/VHF antenna. Recently homeowners have reported receiving as many as 70 free digital TV channels, 60 of which are English-speaking.
Q: What kind of TV do I need to watch Spectrum?
A: All modern TVs with an HDMI input will connect to Spectrum's set-top-box (STB). If you have an older TV with analog / RCA inputs or only an RF / coax input, be sure to ask Spectrum for an STB with those outputs. Older "cable-ready" TVs will no longer work with their cable-ready feature, which was based on analog TV signals. Spectrum terminated analog TV signals on 9/11/18.
Q: Is there a way to get high resolution (1080i) and 4k/UHD TV without paying extra?
A: Yes, there are two ways to do this: You can install an antenna in your attic and connect it to the RF-input of your HDTV. Aim the antenna to the northeast, toward the broadcasting tower farm in Riverview (just south of the Brandon Mall) and you will receive 1080i signals. Another possibility is to connect your TV to an internet streaming box (such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Roku). Of course you will need high-speed internet service for these boxes. Some internet channels are streaming 1080 and 4k/UHD TV signals.
[This page last updated 11/11/18]