Cable TV: Reader Urges Uniformity of Service, Fees

I have recently moved to Lomita from Carson. In Carson, I enjoyed using Continental Cable Vision. The fees were reasonable, their system was modern, without a cable box, and I received many channels. Since my move to Lomita, I have been forced to switch to Copley Connelly Cable.

After having a cable box installed on my 35-inch TV, I realized this cable system didn’t handle picture-in-picture capabilities. Nor was I able to use some of the features my VCR provided.

The cable was not installed correctly, I was given an obviously used remote, the clock wasn’t illuminating correctly and I now have to use a separate remote for changing channels and manipulating the volume.

In addition, when I change channels my TV gives off a horrible, wrenching sound. I hook my TV through my stereo speakers and this sound is obviously doing damage to my speakers.

I also receive fewer channels with Copley.

I called and spoke to a supervisor who informed me I would require two cable boxes to use the features my TV and VCR had.

I did not run into any of these problems with Continental. I was told by Copley that I would have to be charged $4 extra per month, on top of the close to $50 per month bill, to use the second box, even though I would only need it once in a while. My TV is 5 years old. The features I mentioned are not new.

If Continental Cable is able to accommodate my TV and at a cheaper price, why can’t Copley? If each cable company is not going to provide the same services, then I should have a choice of which cable company I want to use.

As for the $4, I was told by a supervisor at Copley that I could afford it and that he looks forward to getting it from me. He’s right. I can afford it. The point is, I shouldn’t have to.

I am being discriminated against because I have a nice TV. If their equipment is not modernized so that it can accommodate modern TVs, they should be held responsible--not the consumer.

I urge that everyone write a letter to their City Hall, their senator and the Federal Communications Commission and demand that the monopoly of cable companies be abolished or that each company provide equal services.

ROBERT S. PATTERSON JR.

Lomita