November 3, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – November 3, 2010
Johnes Ruta, NH
Shalita Sampson, H
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Richard Gay, WH
Joyce Listro, NH
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative
Joe Schofield, CTV representative
Meeting called to order 6:02 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. Minutes from Sept. meeting approved by vote.
Report from Comcast. Johnes asked for update on Classic Arts Showcase, but there is none, as the Vice President of Marketing left Comcast and is yet to be replaced. Issue appears to be on hold until there is someone else in that office.
Regarding the issue of the switch off of the Jets game that we got a complaint about, Sharon tells us that it was human error, that there is supposed to be someone who physically flip a switch, but there was not. Sharon has taken the details and will ask for there to be attention to this issue on this Sunday, when channel 2 (out of New York) will need to carry feed from New York at 4:00 p.m.
Johnes asked Sharon about how to use the xfinity interface, and she says there are directions online.
CTV report from Joe Schofield- technology issues have been arising on CTV broadcast during the day (shaky picture). This appears to be due to the lines from CTV being underground with a new building on top, and there appears to be interference from the heat generators, because the shaky picture only occurs when the building is in use. George inquired as to whether or not the equipment itself is FCC compliant. UI and Comcast may need to go out there together to conduct tests.
CTV went down to the Field House, and again there is the issue of no one knowing where the return line is. Someone suggested to Joe that if it were a loose looking wire, someone may have cut it. CTV is going to go again, and if Sharon will give CTV a number to call, CTV will go first and look, and call Comcast to come down as well if they can’t find it.
Joe says that people are still having distortion issues with Channel 96 (government channel); Joe suspects this is a problem that is specific to people on basic cable plans. Comcast had been going out to refit the connections individually, because the connections are too old. Also, the signal is being overmodulated by Comcast, so the channel appears too bright on television (for all Comcast subscribers). The overmodulation is something that Comcast needs to address.
Tad asked about the relocation progress for CTV; they are looking at a place on Whalley Ave., and the engineer is looking at the possibilities for floor plans. CTV is also still looking at possibilities in Hamden; one in particular is on State Street in Hamden, in the old A&P building across from the DMV. CTV has money set aside in their budget for relocation—about $55,000 currently, and hopefully $10,000 more by the end of the year.
Officers’ reports: George brought copies of the bylaws (as revised August 19, 2006) for our newer members. Also, our website posting (the hosting) is expiring at the end of November; George proposes that we renew for 3-5 years. The price is about $50/year. There may be the option of locking it in for 7 years, to expire at same time as our hold on the url. Originally, they gave us 25 megabits for storage space for our emails. George called to inquire, and they tell us we are allowed to have 1 gigabyte with no additional fee. Tad moved that we renew our website lease, Johnes seconded. Vote was unanimous for renewing.
Old business pertaining to DPUC Docket about 21st century conversations. We have been designated as “intervenors” on the docket, which means we can submit perspectives as friends to the DPUC. The hearing is tomorrow; most cannot attend because of work commitments. George reminds us we’ll be able to read the proceedings of the DPUC meeting. Richard agrees to go to the DPUC meeting in New Britain tomorrow.
New business pertaining to DPUC docket investigating the availability of Video Service offered by AT&T. The DPUC has issued some interrogatories regarding how many customers they have, where they are available, etc. Joe has contacted AT&T about the inability of CTV to view their own signal broadcast on AT&T, and also the need for AT&T to absorb the equipment costs upfront, and to provide maintenance of their equipment, the same way Comcast does, at CTV. AT&T has thus far been unwilling to absorb liability for equipment maintenance. Joe has inquiries out to other PEG providers (Waterbury) to see what deals they have made with AT&T.
Tad suggested Leon’s in New Haven for our December meeting, on Wednesday, December 8th, 6:00.
Meeting adjourned 7:06 p.m.