Like millions of other Americans, Rick Hansen has joined the HDTV revolution. The South Carolina pharmacist pur-chased his first big screen, high-definition television a year ago.

The sleek, 63-inch Toshiba hasn’t failed to deliver. “It is fantastic,” says Hansen, who notes that the life-like im-ages set his three dogs to barking when-ever they see one of their kind pictured on the screen.

HDTV sales are growing steadily as viewers become more enchanted with its clear, vivid images. About one of every three new televisions purchased nation-wide today is in the HD format, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.

And those sales are revolutionizing the way Americans watch — and think — about home entertainment.

But with this revolution come waves of misinformation, leaving many consum-ers feeling technologically adrift.

Pat Hayes, Charter Communications regional director of technical operations, is among those cautioning the public to be informed and savvy. “Everything (Charter) advertises as high definition is true high-definition content,” he says.

That isn’t always the case with traditional cable’s competitors, who sometimes overstate the availability of true high-definition programming.

For example, satellite dish providers

Not all

HDis created equal

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

As consumers enter the high-definition age, misinformation, confusion abound

[ c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 2 ]

claimed they would offer as many as 100 HD channels by the end of the year; however, there aren’t 100 true HD channels currently available even now.

According to Hayes, several factors determine viewer access to HDTV. For one thing, you must own a high-definition television. And for another, the signal must be broadcast in a digital format.

The Federal Communications Commission has seen to the latter, mandating that all television pro-gramming be broadcast digitally by 2009.

The third piece of the puzzle is that programs must be produced in authentic HD format. And that’s the real rub — many production companies are yet to make the switch to the new technology. If a program isn’t recorded in true high definition, it’s only a digital reproduction.

So while an increasing number of shows are avail-able in high definition, many others still aren’t. For those that aren’t, an HDTV and digital signal don’t matter.

Hayes says Charter is committed to offering cus-tomers an increasing array of true HD programming as it becomes available. The company plans to add 10 or more true HD stations to its current lineup by the end of 2008.

It’s all part of a broadcasting industry that is being driven by a technological advancement that, surpris-ingly, is more than half a century old.

In 1949, French engineers created the first public high-definition network. Yet the new technology

wasn’t commercially viable because broadcasters at the time lacked the bandwidth necessary

to transmit HD signals. That changed in the 1990s with the emergence of digital technology.

With its higher speed and greater capa-

bility, the digital image has become the industry gold standard. And broadcasters, with encouragement from the FCC, are scurrying to embrace it.

Charter has invested in the necessary infrastruc-ture and is already delivering a state-of-the-art digital signal to every home it serves.

But the industry shift doesn’t necessarily mean consumers are keeping up with the learning curve. “I think 90 percent of the public have some information,” says Glenn Ashley, sales manager at Jeff Lynch, an Up-state, S.C. electronics retailer. “Less than 10 percent have a true handle.”

Part of the confusion has to do with distinguishing between digital and HD. A digital signal is required to receive HD programs but not all digital signals are broadcast in the actual high-definition format.

Definition is determined by the number of lines of resolution appearing on a television screen — the greater the number the crisper the image. Standard definition carried over the traditional analog format consists of 480 lines of resolution, each stacked on top of one another.

To qualify as true high definition, a television im-age must include at least 720 lines of resolution, says Hayes. There is an even higher resolution of 1,080 lines also available.

The FCC’s mandate, which itself is a source of confusion, applies only to broadcasters who must convert to a digital signal by early 2009. Anyone with a digital converter box, like the ones already issued to traditional cable subscribers, can continue to enjoy all their favorite television programs on their current

sets indefinitely.In addition, traditional cable op-

erators broadcast HD networks that don’t require an HD converter or box. Also, HDTV cable cards can be inserted into existing TVs, a choice that may be preferred especially for wall-mounted TVs.

A high-definition set, on the other hand, is a luxury purchase for the increasing number of Americans prepared to pay for its superior im-ages and greater convenience.

Ashley takes a break from his work on the sales floor to talk about this new generation of products that surround him. The average cus-tomer, he says, will spend between $1,000 and $3,000 for a 42-inch HD screen, though a 70-inch model is available for $10,000.

He promises that no one will be quizzed on what they know about HD and that his job is to assist cus-tomers in choosing a TV set to meet their needs.

One of those choices is to decide between LCD and plasma screens, each of which has its advantages.

“I think 90 percent of the

public have some information. Less

than 10 percent have a true

handle.”Glenn Ashley,

sales manager at Jeff Lynch, a South Carolina electronics retailer

[ c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1 ]

[ c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 4 ]

2 S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E 3

The Difference Is Dramatic

• Up to 5x sharper than standard TV

• High-quality Dolby Digital surround sound

• The best movies, sports, concerts, primetime TV and local broadcast networks.

Add Charter HDTV® to your Charter Digital Cable®

Call our dedicated hotline:

1-877-959-1645See an HD demo on charter.com atwww.charter.com/hdtvdemo

Charter HD On DemandWatch your Hi-Def favorites — on your schedule!

• Watch over 100 HD shows and Hollywood hits On Demand — go to Channel 1

• Stop, start, pause, rewind and fast forward with your remote

• No trips to the video store and no waiting

Plus...

• Includes ten of the top-rated networks in HD

• Charter’s HD DVR lets you record all your HD favorites

And, there’s no need to worry about set-up or installation — we do it for you.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO ENJOY CHARTER HDTV®?

• A High Definition Television

• A Charter HD receiver

• HD programming from Charter

4 S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

Charter gets therein a flash

LCD sets aren’t susceptible to glare, while plasma offers superior contrast.

But the greatest advancements in HD technology are found inside the unit, where smaller components process information faster and produce larger, more detailed im-ages.

Lighter and more versatile, today’s sets can be placed on a table, mounted on a wall or even attached to an ar-ticulating arm for maximum viewing pleasure. “There’s no doubt that TV technology is on the fast track,” Ashley says.

Those advancements include the accessories as well.Digital recording devices and services like Charter’s

Video on Demand are giving viewers a level of conve-nience they’ve never known before.

Hansen, who doesn’t get off work until 7 p.m., has programmed his Moxi Box, the digital media recorder he rents as a Charter subscriber, to record Channel 4’s evening news and the NBC Nightly News to watch after he settles in for the night.

Yet it’s the HD—with images so clear they reveal ac-tors’ facial blemishes — that has him sold.

Same goes for Hayes. Since purchasing their first HD set recently, his family has little use these days for the old technology.

“We’ve migrated toward watching a lot more content in HD as opposed to the 32-inch screen in the other part of the house,” he says.

Gary Hyndman is a writer living in Greenville, SC.

[ C o n t i n u e d

f r o m p a G e 2 ]

Charter’s HD lineup*

Program

Change … coming soon to a television near you! Stay tuned for new technology as television

stations make the switch from analog to digital transmissions. This government-mandated changeover – known as the DTV Transition – represents a complete overhaul of the country’s over-the-air broadcasting system.

Analog, which transmits pictures and sounds using radio frequency waves, has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television. Now it gives way to digital, which uses radio frequency far more efficiently to transmit computer code, or data bits, for higher-resolution display.

Digital technology offers dramatically better picture and sound quality; it also expands programming capabilities and makes possible innovations such as interactive video and data services.

But that’s not all. DTV’s efficient use of bandwidth frees up much of the limited broadcast spectrum, making more of the airwaves available for use by public safety services such as police, fire and ambulance.

Getting the Picture

Congress has mandated that all full-power television stations make the DTV Transition (and completely cease analog transmissions) by February 17, 2009. Some broadcasters might make the switch earlier – although all must do so by the deadline – so consumers are encouraged to take steps now to ensure their screens don’t go blank.

Most of us still have analog television sets but you DO NOT have to purchase a new digital or high-definition television to continue receiving over-the-air signals after the DTV Transition. Old-style TVs just need to be connected to cable or satellite service or outfitted with a digital-to-analog converter box.

If you’re a Charter customer, the DTV Transition is guaranteed to be smooth and easy. That’s because

Charter has already invested in the technology needed to handle the new digital format, so every television connected to Charter – whether it’s an old analog set or a newer digital product – will transition

without any additional effort on the consumer’s part. (If you are connected to an alternative pay service, check with that provider for details on how it will support your analog set after the transition.)

Not a Charter subscriber? If you watch broadcast television on an analog TV with “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, then you must do one of three things:

• Buy a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.

• Buy a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into your existing TV.

• Connect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

Cutting the Cost with Coupons

A digital-to-analog converter box – a device that makes DTV signals viewable on an analog set – is a one-time purchase; expect to pay from $40-$70 at select consumer electronics retailers. To help defray the cost, the Federal Government is offering U.S. households up to two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of certified converter boxes.

For information or to request your coupons, call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009); visit online at www.DTV2009.gov; apply by mail at PO Box 2000, Portland OR 97208; or fax 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632). Deaf or hearing-impaired callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

Coupons are free, but the supply is limited. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through March 31, 2009.

The coupons expire 90 days after they are issued – and cannot be re-issued – so it’s important to review your information packet as soon as it comes in the mail.

Consumers Gear Up for DTV Transition

Are you ready?

Leading the WavesWilmington Market Tests DTV Transition

Television viewers are watching Wilmington.

That’s because this five-county market is the testing ground for the nationwide transition from analog to digital broadcasting. As part of the pilot program, commercial broadcasters in Wilmington will turn off their analog signals at noon on September 8, 2008 – well in advance of the deadline for the rest of the country – to provide real-world experience in preparation for the official changeover on February 17, 2009.

Wilmington’s local stations* – WWAY (ABC), WSFX-TV (FOX), WECT (NBC), WILM-LP (CBS) and W51CW (Trinity Broadcasting) – volunteered to switch to all-digital transmissions ahead of schedule to help the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spot any potential problems that need to be addressed prior to making the federally-mandated change across the nation as a whole. Prior to the advanced transition on September 8, 2008, consumers in Wilmington with analog television sets must:

• Buy a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.

• Buy a digital-to-analog converter box.

• Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service.

The FCC is working with broadcasters, viewers, cable companies and others who will be affected to anticipate and address any potential problems; the FCC is also working to ensure that digital-to-analog converter boxes are readily available at local retailers for consumers with analog televisions who rely on over-the-air service.

*WUNJ (PBS) will continue broadcasting both analog and digital signals; W47CK (MyNetwork TV) will continue to broadcast its analog signal.

A&E HDCinemax HDTV-EastDiscovery HD

TheaterESPN HDESPN2 HDFox Sports Net

South HDGolf Channel/Versus

HD

HBO HDTV-EastHD Net

HD Net Movies

History Channel HD

MHD

Showtime HDTV-East

Starz HDTV-East

TNT HD

Universal HD

COMING SOON :

AMCAnimal Planet

CNNDiscovery

Smithsonian TBSWE

Weather

* Lineups vary by market

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E 5

Fast. Powerful. Reliable. With Charter’s

high speed Internet, you need never again endure the lengthy waiting time it

takes to use traditional dial-up service.Charter is ready to pump data into your

home at the lightning speed of either 5 megabytes or 10 megabytes per second.

And there are plans to introduce even faster 16 megabyte per second service, guaranteeing it will remain among the fastest high speed services in the industry.

The key, says Tobie Sprinkle, a Charter network engineer, is a growing customer base that enables the company to continue its investment in state-of-the-art digital technology and equipment. “It means a more robust network,” says Sprinkle.

More robust, as in 90 times faster than dial-up and three times the speed of DSL. That means you can download your favorite music, shop or pay bills online or surf the Web in a flash.

Charter customer Rick Hansen appreciates the fact his family can be online and use their home phone at the same time. And there’s no waiting to connect as with dial up. Charter high speed is ready and waiting on you at the touch of a key.

Another customer Pat Borden enjoys the added convenience of Charter’s wireless high-speed service that allows her to access the Internet from a computer anywhere in her home.

Wireless Internet, of course, is revolutionizing

telecommunications, allowing both business and residential users the advantages of mobility without sacrificing their ability to stay connected in a fast-paced world.

And Charter technicians are there not only to do the necessary installation but also to provide expert instruction to new subscribers. For even greater convenience, Charter sells and leases Wireless modems.

Then there is Charter’s technical support center staffed round-the-clock by trained, friendly professionals ready to walk you through any problems that arise. For those issues that can’t be readily resolved, technicians make in-home appointments.

High speed subscribers also receive a free security package that is easy to download from Charter’s Web site. It includes anti-virus, firewall and spam filtering software.

The service protects

subscribers against threats from hackers spreading viruses and engaging in identity theft. “(Customers) need to be concerned,” says Sprinkle. “Identity theft continues to grow.”

As do concerns about minors being exposed to inappropriate and unwelcome Internet content.

For that, Charter engineers have designed parental controls that

restrict Internet access and can even be programmed to shut down at a particular time.

Factor in the availability of up to 10 e-mail addresses with each

account, multiple computer access and discounts for bundling services

and ordering new service online, and you can see why a growing number

of customers are making the move to Charter.

“I would recommend Charter to everyone,” says Pat Borden, a loyal customer

for the past six years.

Want to know more about Charter high speed Internet service?Visit charter.com, click on “High-Speed Internet” and then “Frequently Asked Questions.”

Local cable provider setting the standard for high speed Internet

Charter gets therein a flashflash

home at the lightning speed of either 5 megabytes or 10 megabytes per second.

And there are plans to introduce even faster 16 megabyte per second service, guaranteeing it will remain among the fastest high speed services in the industry.

The key, says Tobie Sprinkle, a Charter network engineer, is a growing customer base that enables the company to continue its investment in state-of-the-art digital technology and equipment. “It means a more robust network,” says Sprinkle.

More robust, as in 90 times faster than dial-up and three times the speed of DSL. That means you can download your favorite music, shop or

provider setting the standard for high speed Internet

subscribers against threats from hackers spreading viruses and engaging in identity theft. “(Customers) need to be concerned,” says Sprinkle. “Identity theft continues to grow.”

designed parental controls that restrict Internet access and can even be programmed to shut down at a particular time.

Factor in the availability of up to 10 e-mail addresses with each

account, multiple computer access and discounts for bundling services

and ordering new service online, and you can see why a growing number

of customers are making the move to

“I would recommend Charter to everyone,” says Pat Borden, a loyal customer

for the past six years.

Want to know more about Charter high speed Internet service?Visit charter.com, click on “High-Speed Internet” and then “Frequently Asked Questions.”

telecommunications, allowing both business and residential users the advantages of mobility without sacrificing their ability to stay connected

As do concerns about minors being exposed to inappropriate and unwelcome Internet content.

Charter gets therein a flashCharter gets there

flashCharter gets therein a flashflashin a flashCharter gets therein a flashCharter gets there

flashCharter gets therein a flashCharter gets there

Fast. Powerful. Reliable. With Charter’s

high speed Internet, you need never again endure the lengthy waiting time it

takes to use traditional dial-up service.Charter is ready to pump data into your

home at the lightning speed of either 5 megabytes or 10 megabytes per second.

And there are plans to introduce even faster 16 megabyte per second service, guaranteeing it will remain among the fastest high speed services

The key, says Tobie Sprinkle, a Charter network engineer, is a growing customer base that enables the company to continue its investment in state-of-the-art digital technology and equipment. “It means a more robust

More robust, as in 90 times faster than dial-up and three times the speed of DSL. That means

in a fast-paced world. And Charter technicians are there not only to

do the necessary installation but also to provide expert instruction to new subscribers. For even greater convenience, Charter sells and leases Wireless modems.

Then there is Charter’s technical support center staffed round-the-clock by trained, friendly professionals ready to walk you through any problems that arise. For those issues that can’t be readily resolved, technicians make in-home appointments.

High speed subscribers also receive a free security package that is easy to download from Charter’s Web site. It includes anti-virus, firewall and spam filtering software.

The service protects

subscribers against threats from hackers spreading viruses and engaging in identity theft. “(Customers) need to be concerned,” says Sprinkle. “Identity theft continues to grow.”

even be programmed to shut down at a particular time.

Factor in the availability of up to 10 e-mail addresses with each

account, multiple computer access and discounts for bundling services

and ordering new service online, and you can see why a growing number

of customers are making the move to Charter.

“I would recommend Charter to everyone,” says Pat Borden, a loyal customer

for the past six years.

setting the standard for high speed Internet

Gary Hyndman is a writer living in Greenville, SC.

6 S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

Larry Kelly cancelled his BellSouth service to subscribe to Charter Telephone. Rick Hansen said goodbye to Vonage in favor of Charter.

They are among thousands of Carolinas residents who are making the switch motivated by the local cable company’s ability to deliver on the promise of greater convenience, quality service and financial savings.

Chris Deisenroth, Charter’s phone network manager, says the company introduced broadband phone service to customers in the Carolinas beginning 18 months ago. During that time it has become an important — and growing — feature of its package of services, with new phone installations averaging 350 to 400 each day.

In August 2002, Charter launched its newest product in Wausau, Wis., becoming one of the first to offer residential phone service over a local broadband network. The company has systematically expanded coverage to many of its nearly 6 million subscribers in 29 states, including the Carolinas.

Charter’s state -of-the-art broadband services were made possible by a $3.5 billion system-wide upgrade. “We’ve already got the infrastructure in place for many years,” Deisenroth says. “So we don’t leave anything out on the table.”

He says Charter is marketing its newest product to existing business and residential customers, promising them competitive pricing through bundled services.

Hansen, a pharmacist who already subscribed to Charter’s high speed Internet and digital cable, added phone service five months ago. He says bundling saves him between $200 and $300 per month.

Part of his savings has been realized with the disappearance of

long distance charges. Where AT&T billed him an average of $150 per month, as a Charter subscriber, he enjoys long distance service at no additional cost.

“Bundling is the key to the consumer,” he says.While other telecommunications providers

inundate customers with a myriad of confusing

choices, Charter keeps it simple. A single plan includes unlimited nationwide and local calling as well as 11 other popular features such as voice mail, caller ID and call waiting.

There’s no long-term service agreement to sign, installation and switching are free and Charter service works with a customer’s existing phones,

jacks and phone numbers. Kelly, a production

controller with Lockheed Martin, says bundling the package of services also appealed to him. “That was the drawing card right there,” he says. “It’s convenient for me.”

He can count on receiving just one bill each month, gets immediate assistance when problems arise and as a bonus, people are friendly when he goes to pay his bill.

Besides the savings and convenience, Hansen says he’s been pleased with the sound quality of his new phone service. “It really works better than Vonage,” he says.

That’s because unlike other VoIP providers, Charter’s service doesn’t depend on an Internet connection. Instead, phone signals come directly into your home via the company’s crystal clear digital lines.

“We are a traditional phone service,” says Deisenroth.

With Charter’s digital phone service, staying in touch has never been so easy and inexpensiveWith Charter’s digital phone service, staying in

a bundle

Gary Hyndman is a writer living in Greenville, S.C.

Want to know more about Charter phone service? Visit charter.com. Click on “Telephone” and then “Frequently Asked Questions.”

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E 7

New Charter Ad to go hereOnly$4999

High-SpeedInternet Telephone

per month

New Everyday Low Price

©2008 Charter Communications. High Speed Internet includes speeds up to 1 Mbps. Offer valid to new residential customers only who have not subscribed to any telephone or Internet service within the previous 30 days and have no outstanding obligation to Charter. These services may only be purchased as a bundle. Internet speeds may vary. Charter does not guarantee data will be secure. Unlimited long distance includes direct-dial calls within your state only. Directory assistance calls not included in unlimited rates. Charter reserves the right to review and terminate service for non-residential use or abuse of service. Taxes, fees and surcharges are extra. Certain equipment may be required at installation and charges may apply. Valid service address required. Credit approval, prepayment or major credit card may be required. All services provided are subject to the subscriber agreement and applicable tariff which are subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Other restrictions may apply. Call for full details.

charter.com/SaveABundle

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Do the Math. Switch and Save.1-877-959-1645

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