News

Madison Square Garden Network has returned!

The high-definition feeds of the Madison Square Garden Network (MSG) and Madison Square Garden Plus channels (466 and 467 respectively) have been restored to the MTC Cable line-up effective 2/17/12. A settlement between Time Warner Cable and MSG of their carriage dispute enables Time Warner Cable to re-establish the transport feed to MTC. We apologize for this interruption in service.

TV Guide Upgrade

MTC Cable announces an upgrade to the electronic program guide (TV Guide) operating on digital converter boxes. The new feature enhancements include two lines of program info, new search and discovery options, “hot-button” to HD programming, and new DVR folder options to better manage your recordings. For a complete summary of the new feature enhancements, please click here.

MTC looks to expand services into three nearby municipalities

MTC Cable has entered into negotiations with the Towns of Halcott, Gilboa, and Conesville for cable television franchises necessary to begin providing cable television services within the Municipalities. Public hearings will be scheduled in the coming months to seek public input on these non-exclusive franchise agreements within each individual Municipality. Once approval has been granted by the Municipalities, along with the NYS Public Service Commission, MTC Cable will begin to construct a fiber optic network to deliver voice, video, and internet services to residents and businesses along pre-established areas within the towns which meet the 15 homes per mile requirement from existing MTC Cable facilities. MTC continues to work with the Municipalities to seek additional funding assistance from the Regional Economic Development Councils and other agencies to provide the funding necessary to build facilities in areas which do not meet the 15 homes per mile density.

Introducing THIS TV

MTC Cable will be launching THIS TV effective 01/27/12. THIS TV will be temporarily located on Channel 12. THIS TV channel brings you award winning films, box office hits, cult classics, retro TV series and all your favorite Hollywood stars!

1/3/2012: Programming Notice

MTC Cable has removed (Channel 12 – Binghamton) from its channel line-up effective January 1, 2012. To date, MTC has not reached a Retransmission Consent Agreement with the Station’s ownership (Granite Communications) necessary for continued carriage. CBS programming will still be available on WRGB (Channel 6) and Binghamton area news will still be available via WICZ (Ch. 14) and WIVT (Ch. 15).

Renewal of Retransmission Consent Agreements is required every three years between cable operators and broadcast networks in which terms of carriage are negotiated. Unfortunately, payment terms are usually the main obstacle. MTC has reached agreements with all other broadcast network stations, however Granite Communications is seeking a 300%+ increase in fees which we feel totally unacceptable. Why should MTC Cable and its subscribers have to pay such a premium to provide a signal to its customers who in some areas can receive the signal free with an off-air antenna? Or, if the station cannot be received by a resident with an antenna, why should MTC pay a premium to extend the range of the broadcast signal?

MTC remains hopeful that a mutually beneficial Agreement can be reached over the next few weeks. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Universal Sports Network (channel 111) has changed its distribution method effective 12/31/11. The channel will be off the air temporarily.

The High-Definition feeds of MSG and MSG Plus (Channel 466 and 467) will be off the air as a result of the carriage dispute between Madison Square Garden Networks and Time Warner Cable. Time Warner Cable transports these signals from MSG to our facilities. The Analog channels 66 and 67 are not affected by this signal blackout. We are hopeful for a quick resolution and apologize for this inconvenience.

12/23/2011: Channel Changes & Updates

Versus (Channel 72 & 472) will be renamed to NBC Sports Network on January 2nd, 2012.

As of this date, MTC Cable has reached new Carriage Agreements with most of the Broadcasts. At present, MTC Cable has not reached a deal to extend the Carriage of WBNG (Channel 12 Binghamton) and will be required to remove the channel effective December 31st, 2011.

12/12/2011: Network Broadcaster Rate Increase

Network Broadcasters are demanding huge increases in rates from cable and satellite companies. Most local broadcasters are now owned and operated by large conglomerates such as Sinclair Broadcasting and Granite Broadcasting. These companies are demanding rate increases as high as 200% to 300% from cable companies such as MTC for programming which is free if you live in an area which can receive the stations with an antenna.

Go to the American Television Alliance to see how you can help to voice your concern.

12/12/2011: Me-TV Coming to MTC December 21st

MTC Cable will be launching Me-TV (channel 21 or 21.1 for digital televisions) on December 21st.

Me-TV stands for Memorable Entertainment Television. The network showcases classic shows from the 50s through the 80s. You will see some of the best shows ever made for television, all in one place, presented with respect for the programs and its viewers.

Me-TV features a wide range of classic television programming, some of the best programming written for television, that audiences and advertisers find comfortable and engaging. Its library includes series from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution and CBS Television Distribution as well as independent series owners and producers. Some of the comedies on Me-TV are: M*A*S*H, Cheers, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Love Lucy and The Bob Newhart Show. Dramas on the network include: Perry Mason, The Untouchables, The Big Valley, the original Star Trek and the original Hawaii Five-O series.

12/12/2011: AMC in HD coming to MTC December 21st

On December 21st, MTC Cable introduces the addition of AMC High Definition (channel 463) with the popular original series Madmen, Walking Dead and Hell on Wheels in HD.