Olelo Channel 49 to be Digital Only

Viewers of Olelo Public Access TV channel 49 have recently learned that Oceanic Time Warner cable will be switching the analog signal to this channel off and going to digital services only. This will require analog customers to get a digital set top box. According to the Olelo TV website and blog, the set top boxes are supposed to be free to those customers who request them. The cut off date for analog customers is July 6. Olelo had asked for an extension of time but were declined by Oceanic.

While Olelo states that the digital box is free, Oceanic’s own website under pricing lists a $7.12 charge for a digital box.

Commentary: I wonder how many analog customers will opt for the digital box? While digital may offer more TV services, the going rate for the basic digital package is $75 a month. When I last subscribed to Oceanic cable’s analog, the price was about $63 for 78 channels. The cable franchise fee will probably remain the same whether a subscribers gets all of the Olelo channels or not.