HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-05-04-CAC-min.pdf Cable and Communications Advisory Committee
Minutes of May 4, 1995
Members present Bussgang, Ellis, Gharibian, Longcope, Lucas,
Mairson, Schoman, Spencer, Stanton, Triessl, Warner David Green
representing Cablevision
Minutes of previous meeting were approved
Stanton reported that SCOLA will require a digitizer and a $1000/yr
subscription. As of May 31, the schools will not carry it MCET
is unlikely to pick up the cost. Stanton recommended that
Cablevision take over the provision of this service Bussgang will
call SCOLA regarding rates for non-profit agency/commercial
organization. Green reports that this is a problem in many towns
Warner reported that the warrant article was presented by Selectman
McSweeney and was passed by an overwhelming voice vote. It now
needs to go out to bid.
Lucas reported that the RFP has been done Thanks were expressed
to all who had seen the RFP through 13 versions Cablevision
delivered its request for an extension during this meeting. It was
voted to recommend extension to the Selectmen. Gharibian will
supply ascertainment material to Cablevision
Mairson suggested lining up Selectmen for the negotiating process
Issues concerning the governance of the town's information network
need to be address. Roles of this committee and LINE need
clarification. The question arose as to whether there is an
implied governance being mandated in Article 18 of this year's town
meeting
susagang reported on clarification of local origin and access
channels Mairson raised concern about advertising. He will
review his impression. Bussgang received a letter from the
Massachusetts Cable TV Commission advising that there will be a
small rate adjustment in future calculations. The FCC found in
favor of Cablevision.
Green reported that the most recent rate adjustment has been the
least controversial of any. Form 1205 has been filed. As of
August 1 , 1995 there will be a decrease in the cost of converters
Green will send a copy of filings to Gharibian. Cablevision
supports the NTIA proposal described by Green which includes using
cable to provide five hours a week to teach use of Internet to
teenage and senior students via interactive teleconferencing
There would also be an electronic mail system with an e-mail drop
at the senior center. A third feature would be a web server
Spencer said I-trunk is experiencing data transmission problems
He suggested to Green that "Cablevision is lacking in technical
depth"
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An MIT project involving decoding from closed captioning and doing
keyword retrieval is ongoing.
Mairson stressed that the importance of digital data needs to be
impressed upon Cablevision.
schoman seeks help on LO contractual issues. Questions were raised
about the showing of copyrighted material on some programs.
Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday June 22 at 5 30 pm
Respectfully submitted,