Quadravision signs off today

The radio advertisement is directed toward a particular consumer group.

"Attention, Quadravision customers," the announcer says, "your digital television provider is going out of business!"

The announcer then tells customers an option they have to insure uninterrupted digital television service: Switch to Charter Communications.

Today Quadravision digital television closes its doors after 15 years of providing Northern Nevadans with cable TV. It had 16 employees and 2,900 subscribers in Reno, Carson City, Gardnerville, Minden and surrounding areas. The Reno-based company is owned by Jonsson Communications Inc.

General Manager Mike Evans said before it started disconnections this month, about 900 Carson City residents were Quadravision subscribers. He cited rising operating costs and competition from dish providers as the reasons for closing.

After the company announced its demise in late October, advertisements aimed at those 2,900 customers began.

Marsha Berkbigler, vice president of Charter's government relations for the western division, said Monday her company has done a lot of advertising on TV, radio and in newspapers to attract Quadravision customers. She declined to give any numbers.

"We've definitely picked up some customers, and I think it's been a pretty good turnover to us," she said.

At the top of a newspaper advertisement, in bold white letters on a blue background, is printed: FREE FREE FREE.

Dish Network is advertising three satellite TV receivers for free, with the purchase of the three-room service for $49.99.

Haida Berg, owner of Go Wireless of Sparks, said her Sparks business has installed

Dish Network and DirecTV for hundreds of Carson City residents. She said business is up about 50 percent this month because of Quadravision.

"A lot of people have been longtime customers of Quadravision because they were the lowest priced in town," Berg said. "They were sad to see them go, but many people are looking forward to getting more advanced service, like DISH Network."

Evans, who worked for Quadravision for four years, said the company mostly directed customers to dish TV providers.

"It hasn't been a thrill (shutting down)," he said Monday. "You feel for the customers. You feel for employees. It's rough, but worse things can happen."

Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

What Quadravision digital television customers paid:

- Basic package, included network channels, 38 channels plus digital music channels, $29.95

- Expanded basic package, included the basic package plus 14 more channels, $42.95

- Expanded plus package, included the expanded basic plus 6 more channels, $49.95

Source: Quadravision Digital Television rates

Charter Communications Digital TV:

Package one: Includes basic and expanded channels, the cable box, remote and one group of channels, $50.94

Package two: The above plus one group of premium channels, $63.94

Package three: Includes two groups of "premium channels, $66.94"

Source: Charter's Carson City cable rates

Dish Network satellite TV:

Basic program package, includes network channels, and "top 60" channels, $29.99

Second program package, includes "top 120" channels, $39.99

Third program package, includes "top 180" channels, $49.99

Source: Dish Network