Houston, TX - Consolidated Communications

Jack Texas · 10-24-07, 11:34 AM

I am looking to change from Comcast to DSL based internet access and SD/HDTV but know nothing about this type of service where HDTV comes via telephone cable.

I searched this thread for Consolidated and Houston but didn't find anything having to do with this type of HDTV service.

Anyone have this service and how does it compare to Comcast?

Thanks for the help!

coug7669 · 10-24-07, 08:40 PM

AT&T Universe is in limited availability. Check here https://uverse1.att.com/un/launchAMSSNotAuthenticated.do?target_action=serviceabilityCh eck Fision is only available in the norhwest area here http://www.fision.net/section_services.html. Verizon services some of houston but I believe they only offer dsl and telephone services IMO. No other provider offers all the services bundled together that I am aware of(dsl Hdtv sdtv).

Cap'n Preshoot · 03-02-09, 09:53 PM

Consolidated offers a digital HD package in certain of their service areas in Katy (and possibly up around Conroe). Their web site doesn't give much clue, you have to submit your service address and then they will get back to you. Apparently they have to dispatch a tech to your location to run bandwidth and bit error rate tests to see if your copper loop qualifies. I'm still trying to figure out the technology they're using. IPTV likely, but if you have multiple sets and all watching different programming plus browsing the internet it could get a little crowded "inside the pipe". Will post more as I learn about it.

.

Cap'n Preshoot · 03-04-09, 07:45 PM

Heard from them (Consolidated) today. It is indeed IPTV. On their copper circuits they're pushing 19 Mbps up to 7,000 cable feet. In newer areas built out w/fiber they're running up to 60 Mbps with fiber to the home, not merely to the curb. Yes, over copper IPTV will be in contention for bandwidth with your broadband internet service.

Unfortunately, tho my community is only 5 years old, I'm in one of their copper areas, but 6000 feet from the mux, so they tell me my loop should qualify.

Cap'n Preshoot · 05-03-09, 07:19 PM

Never mind.

Come to find out they have only approx 15 HD channels (including the locals) - that will never do. I also wasn't too impressed with their demo setup in their local business office.

.

Cap'n Preshoot · 05-28-09, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Texas

I am looking to change from Comcast to DSL based internet access and SD/HDTV but know nothing about this type of service where HDTV comes via telephone cable.

I searched this thread for Consolidated and Houston but didn't find anything having to do with this type of HDTV service.

Anyone have this service and how does it compare to Comcast?

Thanks for the help!

Only available in Katy and Conroe. Presently there are not many HD channels available, I think around 18 or so. My son has it now and I'm not impressed. I'll stick with Dish Network for now. Also, Consolidated does offer a triple play deal, with either (your choice of) an internet-based phone or a legacy copper landline-based phone. Both options offer unlimited US Domestic long distance for residential (non-business) use. Consolidated also requires a 1-year term agreement, but only if you take their triple play deal. For TV and/or TV with DSL, there is no contract required. DSL speeds offered are 3, 6 and 10 Mbps down and 512k up. Since most internet congestion you'll encounter will be beyond their network, the 3 Mbps package is generally adequate.

Consolidated provides you with one (1) set top box which has 3 remotes and 3 outputs for 3 rooms. Alas only one TV can be HD as the other outputs are analog (agile-modulated over coax). The service is reasonably cheap until you get to their triple play deal. Once promotional incentives expire the triple play deal (with 4 premiums and HD) will run you about $135 + tax. They DO offer a DVR, which appears to consist of the base model HD receiver along with an external hard drive. However, you're apt to encounter some bandwidth constraints (depending on facility type (copper/fiber) and distance) limiting you to a maximum of only 1 concurrent HD stream. Yes, an HDMI jack is there and seems to work, but you'll have to furnish your own HDMI cable.

No, not a very elegant alternative. As I said earlier, I believe I'll stick w/satellite.

10-24-07, 11:34 AM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
Jack Texas Oldie but Goodie Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Deep in the Woods of Texas Posts: 167	Houston, TX - Consolidated Communications I am looking to change from Comcast to DSL based internet access and SD/HDTV but know nothing about this type of service where HDTV comes via telephone cable. I searched this thread for Consolidated and Houston but didn't find anything having to do with this type of HDTV service. Anyone have this service and how does it compare to Comcast? Thanks for the help! __________________ My Gear: Four Thumbs-Up Theaters

03-02-09, 09:53 PM	#3 \| Link
Cap'n Preshoot P1-17-11478 Retired AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Cinco Ranch West Posts: 924	Consolidated Communications, INC Consolidated offers a digital HD package in certain of their service areas in Katy (and possibly up around Conroe). Their web site doesn't give much clue, you have to submit your service address and then they will get back to you. Apparently they have to dispatch a tech to your location to run bandwidth and bit error rate tests to see if your copper loop qualifies. I'm still trying to figure out the technology they're using. IPTV likely, but if you have multiple sets and all watching different programming plus browsing the internet it could get a little crowded "inside the pipe". Will post more as I learn about it. . __________________ The Pay-TV industry does not hold the patent on alienating customers, but Comcast in particular has succeeded in making an art form of it.

03-04-09, 07:45 PM	#4 \| Link
Cap'n Preshoot P1-17-11478 Retired AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Cinco Ranch West Posts: 924	Heard from them (Consolidated) today. It is indeed IPTV. On their copper circuits they're pushing 19 Mbps up to 7,000 cable feet. In newer areas built out w/fiber they're running up to 60 Mbps with fiber to the home, not merely to the curb. Yes, over copper IPTV will be in contention for bandwidth with your broadband internet service. Unfortunately, tho my community is only 5 years old, I'm in one of their copper areas, but 6000 feet from the mux, so they tell me my loop should qualify. __________________ The Pay-TV industry does not hold the patent on alienating customers, but Comcast in particular has succeeded in making an art form of it.

05-03-09, 07:19 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Cap'n Preshoot P1-17-11478 Retired AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Cinco Ranch West Posts: 924	Never mind. Come to find out they have only approx 15 HD channels (including the locals) - that will never do. I also wasn't too impressed with their demo setup in their local business office. . __________________ The Pay-TV industry does not hold the patent on alienating customers, but Comcast in particular has succeeded in making an art form of it.

10-24-07, 08:40 PM	#2 \| Link
coug7669 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: houston,tx,usa Posts: 447	AT&T Universe is in limited availability. Check here https://uverse1.att.com/un/launchAMSSNotAuthenticated.do?target_action=serviceabilityCh eck Fision is only available in the norhwest area here http://www.fision.net/section_services.html. Verizon services some of houston but I believe they only offer dsl and telephone services IMO. No other provider offers all the services bundled together that I am aware of(dsl Hdtv sdtv).